Benzamide Derivatives As EP4 Receptor Agonists

ABSTRACT

A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein, R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , m, n and X are as defined in the specification; a process for preparing such compounds; a pharmaceutical composition comprising such compounds; and the use of such compounds in medicine.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/519,219, which was filed pursuant to 35 USC 371 as a US National Phase Application of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/EP2007/063796 filed on Dec. 12, 2007, which claims priority from 625098.9 filed on Dec. 15, 2006 and 0715145.9 filed on Aug. 3, 2007 in the United Kingdom, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to benzamide derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to their use in medicine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The compounds of the present invention are EP₄ receptor agonists.

A number of review articles describe the characterization and therapeutic relevance of the prostanoid receptors as well as the most commonly used selective agonists and antagonists: Eicosanoids; From Biotechnology to Therapeutic Applications, Folco, Samuelsson, Maclouf, and Velo eds, Plenum Press, New York, 1996, chap. 14, 137-154 and Journal of Lipid Mediators and Cell Signalling, 1996, 14, 83-87 and Prostanoid Receptors, Structure, Properties and Function, S Narumiya et al, Physiological Reviews 1999, 79(4), 1193-126.

The EP₄ receptor is a 7-transmembrane receptor and its natural ligand is the prostaglandin PGE₂. PGE₂ also has affinity for the other EP receptors (types EP₁, EP₂ and EP₃). The prostanoid EP₄ receptor falls into a group of receptors normally associated with elevation of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. The EP₄ receptor is associated with smooth muscle relaxation, intraocular pressure, pain (in particular inflammatory, neuropathic and visceral pain), inflammation, neuroprotection, lymphocyte differentiation, bone metabolic processes, allergic activities, promotion of sleep, renal regulation, gastric or enteric mucus secretion and duodenal bicarbonate secretion. Therefore EP₄ receptor agonists may be useful for the treatment of pain, inflammation and other conditions associated with the EP₄ receptor. The EP₄ receptor also plays an important role in closure of the ductus arteriosus, vasodepression, inflammation and bone remodeling as reviewed by Narumiya in Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators 2002, 68-69 557-73.

A number of publications have demonstrated that PGE₂ acting through the EP₄ receptor subtype, and EP₄ agonists alone, can regulate inflammatory cytokines after an inflammatory stimulus. Takayama et al in the Journal of Biological Chemistry 2002, 277(46), 44147-54 showed PGE₂ modulates inflammation during inflammatory diseases by suppressing macrophage derived chemokine production via the EP₄ receptor. In Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 2002, 10(7), 2103-2110, Maruyama et al demonstrate the selective EP₄ receptor agonist (ONO-AE1-437) suppresses LPS induced TNF-α in human whole blood whilst increasing the levels of IL-10. An article from Anesthesiology, 2002, 97, 170-176 suggests that a selective EP₄ receptor agonist (ONO-AE1-329) effectively inhibited mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and inflammatory reactions in acute and chronic monoarthritis.

Two independent articles from Sakuma et al in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 2000, 15(2), 218-227 and Miyaura et al in Journal of Biological Chemistry 2000, 275(26), 19819-23, report impaired osteoclast formation in cells cultured from EP₄ receptor knock-out mice. Yoshida et al in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 2002, 99(7), 4580-4585, by use of mice lacking each of the PGE₂ receptor EP subtypes, identified EP₄ as the receptor that mediates bone formation in response to PGE₂ administration. They also demonstrated a selective EP₄ receptor agonist (ONO-4819) consistently induces bone formation in wild type mice. Additionally, Terai et al in Bone 2005, 37(4), 555-562 have shown the presence of a selective EP₄ receptor agonist (ONO-4819) enhanced the bone-inducing capacity of rhBMP-2, a therapeutic cytokine that can induce bone formation.

Further research by Larsen et al shows the effects of PGE₂ on secretion in the second part of the human duodenum is mediated through the EP₄ receptor (Acta. Physiol. Scand. 2005, 185, 133-140). Also, it has been shown a selective EP₄ receptor agonist (ONO-AE1-329) can protect against colitis in rats (Nitta et al in Scandinavian Journal of Immunology 2002, 56(1), 66-75).

Doré et al in The European Journal of Neuroscience 2005, 22(9), 2199-206 have shown that PGE₂ can protect neurons against amyloid beta peptide toxicity by acting on EP₂ and EP₄ receptors. Furthermore Doré has demonstrated in Brain Research 2005, 1066(1-2), 71-77 that an EP₄ receptor agonist (ONO-AEI-329) protects against neurotoxicity in an acute model of excitotoxicity in the brain.

Woodward et al in Journal of Lipid Mediators 1993, 6(1-3), 545-53 found intraocular pressure could be lowered using selective prostanoid agonists. Two papers in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science have shown the prostanoid EP₄ receptor is expressed in human lens epithelial cells (Mukhopadhyay et al 1999, 40(1), 105-12), and suggest a physiological role for the prostanoid EP₄ receptor in modulation of flow in the trabecular framework of the eye (Hoyng et al 1999, 40(11), 2622-6).

Compounds exhibiting EP₄ receptor binding activity have been described in, for example, WO98/55468, WO00/18744, WO00/03980, WO00/15608, WO0016760, WO00/21532, EP0855389, EP0985663, WO02/50031, WO02/50032, WO02/50033, WO02/064564, WO03/103604, WO03/077910, WO03/086371, WO04/037813, WO04/067524, WO04/085430, US2004142969, WO05/021508, WO05/105733, WO05/105732, WO05/080367, WO05/037812, WO05/116010, and WO06/122403.

Derivatives of indoprofen such as [4-(1-oxo-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzo[f]isoindol-2-yl)phenyl]-2-propionic acid, sodium salt have been described by Rufer et. al. in Eur. J. Med. Chem.—Chimica Therapeutica, 1978, 13, 193.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compounds of formula (I) and/or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof,

wherein, R¹ represents halogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; R² represents C₁₋₄ alkyl or chloro; R³ represents H, C₁₋₄ alkyl or halogen; R⁴ represents H; R⁵ independently each represents halogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; m represents 0 or 1; n represents 0, 1 or 2; and X represents O or NH; with the proviso that when n represents 2 and R⁵ represents halogen, the R⁵ groups together with the phenyl group to which they are attached do not form a 2,3-difluorophenyl moiety.

In one embodiment:

R¹ represents halogen; R² represents C₁₋₄ alkyl or chloro; R³ represents H, C₁₋₄ alkyl or halogen; R⁴ represents H; R⁵ independently each represents halogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; m represents 0 or 1; n represents 0, 1 or 2; and X represents O or NH; with the proviso that when n represents 2 and R⁵ represents halogen, the R⁵ groups together with the phenyl group to which they are attached do not form a 2,3-difluorophenyl moiety.

In one embodiment of the invention R¹ represents halogen, such as chloro. In another embodiment of the invention R¹ is attached to the C(2) position of the phenyl ring and represents chloro. In a further embodiment of the invention R¹ is attached to the C(3) position of the phenyl ring and represents chloro. In a still further embodiment R¹ represents methyl. In a yet further embodiment R¹ is methyl and is attached to the C(3) position of the phenyl ring. In another embodiment R¹ represents fluoro. In a further embodiment R¹ is fluoro and is attached to the C(3) position of the phenyl ring.

In one embodiment R² represents chloro. In one embodiment of the invention, R² represents C₁₋₄ alkyl. In a further embodiment R² represents methyl.

In one embodiment of the invention R³ represents H. In another embodiment of the invention R³ represents fluoro.

In one embodiment of the invention R⁵ represents chloro or fluoro. In another embodiment of the invention R⁵ represents chloro. In a further embodiment of the invention R⁵ represents fluoro. In one embodiment of the invention R⁵ represents C₁₋₄ alkyl. In a further embodiment R⁵ represents methyl. In another embodiment R⁵ is in the C(3) position on the phenyl ring relative to —CH₂COOH.

In a still further embodiment R⁵ represents methyl in the C(3) position on the phenyl ring relative to —CH₂COOH.

In one embodiment of the invention m represents 0. In one embodiment of the invention m represents 1.

In one embodiment of the invention n represents 0. In one embodiment of the invention n represents 1. In one embodiment of the invention n represents 2. In another embodiment of the invention n represents 2 and one R⁵ is fluoro and the other is chloro or fluoro.

In one embodiment of the invention X represents 0. In another embodiment of the invention X represents NH.

In one embodiment of the invention:

R¹ represents halogen; R² is C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R³ is H;

R⁵ represents C₁₋₄ alkyl; m represents 1; n represents 1; and X represents O.

In another embodiment of the invention:

R¹ represents chloro; R² is C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R³ is H;

R⁵ represents C₁₋₄ alkyl; m represents 1; n represents 1; and X represents O.

In a further embodiment of the invention:

R¹ represents halo; R² is methyl;

R³ is H;

R⁵ represents C₁₋₄ alkyl; m represents 1; n represents 1; and X represents O.

In a further embodiment of the invention:

R¹ represents chloro; R² is methyl;

R³ is H;

R⁵ represents C₁₋₄ alkyl; m represents 1; n represents 1; and X represents O.

In a further embodiment of the invention:

R¹ represents chloro; R² is methyl;

R³ is H;

R⁵ represents methyl; m represents 1; n represents 1; and X represents O.

In a further embodiment of the invention:

R¹ represents chloro in the C(3) position on the phenyl ring; R² is methyl;

R³ is H;

R⁵ represents methyl in the C(3) position on the phenyl ring relative to —CH₂COOH; m represents 1; n represents 1; and X represents O.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a compound of formula (I) selected from the group consisting of:

-   (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   {3-chloro-4-[({2-chloro-5-[(phenylmethyl)oxy]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-2-fluorophenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-2,5-difluorophenyl)acetic     acid; -   (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-2-fluorophenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic     acid; -   {4-[({2-chloro-5-[(phenylmethyl)amino]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]amino}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]amino}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (5-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-2-fluorophenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   {4-[({2-methyl-5-[(phenylmethyl)oxy]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(6-Chloro-3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   {4-[({6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-[(phenylmethyl)oxy]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic     acid; -   {3-chloro-4-[({2-methyl-5-[(phenylmethyl)oxy]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic     acid; -   (3-chloro-4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   {3-chloro-4-[({6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-[(phenylmethyl)oxy]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic     acid; -   (3-chloro-4-{[(6-chloro-3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid;     (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (3-fluoro-4-{[(5-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(5-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic     acid; -   (3-fluoro-4-{[(2-methyl-5-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (3-chloro-4-{[(2-methyl-5-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3,5-difluorophenyl)acetic     acid; -   (3-methyl-4-{[(2-methyl-5-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (3-chloro-4-{[(5-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(6-chloro-3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3,5-difluorophenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(6-chloro-3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic     acid; -   (3-chloro-4-{[(6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic     acid; -   (4-{[(6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic     acid;     and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.

The present invention covers all combinations of the embodiments described herein.

As used herein, the term ‘C₁₋₄ alkyl’ includes straight chain and branched chain alkyl groups containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl and iso-butyl.

As used herein, ‘halogen’ means fluorine (or fluoro), chlorine (or chloro), bromine (or bromo) or iodine (or iodo).

By pharmaceutically acceptable derivative is meant any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester, or salt of such ester of the compounds of formula (I), or any other compound which upon administration to the recipient is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) a compound of formula (I) or an active metabolite or residue thereof.

It will be appreciated that, for pharmaceutical use, the salts referred to above will be the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, but other salts may find use, for example in the preparation of compounds of formula (I) and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include those described by Berge, Bighley and Monkhouse, J. Pharm. Sci., 1977, 66, 1-19. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refers to salts prepared from pharmaceutically acceptable bases including inorganic bases and organic bases. Salts derived from inorganic bases include aluminum, ammonium, calcium, copper, ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganic salts, manganous, potassium, sodium, zinc, and the like. Salts derived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic bases include salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines; substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines; and cyclic amines. Particular pharmaceutically acceptable organic bases include arginine, betaine, caffeine, choline, N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, 2-diethylaminoethanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-ethyl-morpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine, glucosamine, histidine, hydrabamine, isopropylamine, lysine, methylglucamine, morpholine, piperazine, piperidine, procaine, purines, theobromine, triethylamine, trimethylamine, tripropyl amine, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, and the like. Salts may also be formed from basic ion exchange resins, for example polyamine resins.

It will be appreciated that the compounds of formula (I) may be produced in vivo by metabolism of a suitable prodrug. Such prodrugs may be for example physiologically acceptable metabolically labile esters of compounds of formula (I). These may be formed by esterification of the carboxylic acid group in the parent compound of formula (I) with, where appropriate, prior protection of any other reactive groups present in the molecule followed by deprotection if required. Examples of such metabolically labile esters include C₁₋₄alkyl esters e.g. methyl ethyl or t-butyl esters esters, C₃₋₆ alkenyl esters e.g. allyl substituted or unsubstituted aminoalkyl esters (e.g. aminoethyl, 2-(N,N-diethylamino) ethyl, or 2-(4-morpholino)ethyl esters or acyloxyalkyl esters such as, acyloxymethyl or 1-acyloxyethyl e.g. pivaloyloxymethyl, 1-pivaloyloxyethyl, acetoxymethyl, 1-acetoxyethyl, 1-(1-methoxy-1-methyl)ethylcarbonyloxyethyl, 1-benzoyloxyethyl, isopropoxycarbonyloxymethyl, 1-isopropoxycarbonyloxyethyl, cyclohexylcarbonyloxymethyl, 1-cyclohexylcarbonyloxyethyl ester, cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxymethyl, 1-cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxyethyl, 1-(4-tetrahydropyranyloxy)carbonyloxyethyl or 1-(4-tetrahydropyranyl)carbonyloxyethyl.

It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses all isomers of the compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives, including all geometric, tautomeric and optical forms, and mixtures thereof (e.g. racemic mixtures).

Since the compounds of formula (I) are intended for use in pharmaceutical compositions, it will be understood that they are each provided in substantially pure form, for example at least 50% pure, more suitably at least 75% pure and preferably at least 95% pure (% are on a wt/wt basis). Impure preparations of the compounds of formula (I) may be used for preparing the more pure forms used in the pharmaceutical compositions. Although the purity of intermediate compounds of the present invention is less critical, it will be readily understood that the substantially pure form is preferred as for the compounds of formula (I). Preferably, whenever possible, the compounds of the present invention are obtained in crystalline form.

When some of the compounds of this invention are allowed to crystallise or are recrystallised from organic solvents, solvent of crystallisation may be present in the crystalline product. This invention includes within its scope such solvates, including solvates of the free acid molecule and solvates of salts derived from the free acid molecule. Similarly, some of the compounds of this invention may be crystallised or recrystallised from solvents containing water. In such cases water of hydration may be formed. This invention includes within its scope stoichiometric hydrates as well as compounds containing variable amounts of water that may be produced by processes such as lyophilisation. In addition, different crystallisation conditions may lead to the formation of different polymorphic forms of crystalline products. This invention includes within its scope all polymorphic forms of the compounds of formula (I).

The present invention also includes within its scope all isotopically-labelled compounds of formula (I). Such compounds are identical to those recited above except that one or more atoms therein are replaced by an atom having an atomic mass or mass number different from the atomic mass or mass number usually found in nature. Examples of isotopes that can be incorporated into compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof include isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, chlorine and fluorine, such as 2H, 3H, 11C, 13C, 14C, 15N, 17O, 18O, 36Cl and 18F.

Isotopically-labelled compounds of formula (I), for example those into which radioactive isotopes such as 3H, 140 are incorporated, are useful in drug and/or substrate tissue distribution assays. Tritiated, i.e., 3H, and carbon-14, i.e., 14C, isotopes are particularly preferred for their ease of preparation and detectability. 11C and 18F isotopes are particularly useful in PET (positron emission tomography), and are useful in brain imaging. Further substitution with heavier isotopes such as deuterium, i.e., 2H, can afford certain therapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolic stability, for example increased in vivo half-life or reduced dosage requirements and, hence, may be preferred in some circumstances. Isotopically labelled compounds of formula (I) may be prepared by carrying out the synthetic procedures disclosed in the Schemes and/or in the Examples below, by substituting a readily available isotopically labelled reagent for a non-isotopically labelled reagent.

The compounds of formula (I) are EP₄ receptor agonists and may therefore be useful in treating EP₄ receptor mediated diseases. These diseases include those mediated by the action, or loss of action, of PGE₂ at EP₄ receptors.

In particular the compounds of formula (I) may be useful in the treatment of pain, for example, chronic articular pain (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, gouty arthritis and juvenile arthritis) including the property of disease modification and joint structure preservation; musculoskeletal pain; lower back and neck pain; sprains and strains; neuropathic pain; sympathetically maintained pain; myositis; pain associated with cancer and fibromyalgia; pain associated with migraine; pain associated with influenza or other viral infections, such as the common cold; rheumatic fever; pain associated with functional bowel disorders such as non-ulcer dyspepsia, non-cardiac chest pain and irritable bowel syndrome; pain associated with myocardial ischemia; post operative pain; headache; toothache; and dysmenorrhea.

The compounds of formula (I) may be particularly useful in the treatment of neuropathic pain and symptoms associated therewith. Neuropathic pain syndromes include: diabetic neuropathy; sciatica; non-specific lower back pain; multiple sclerosis pain; fibromyalgia; HIV-related neuropathy; post-herpetic neuralgia; trigeminal neuralgia; and pain resulting from physical trauma, amputation, cancer, toxins or chronic inflammatory conditions. Symptoms of neuropathic pain include spontaneous shooting and lancinating pain, or ongoing, burning pain. In addition, there is included pain associated with normally non-painful sensations such as “pins and needles” (paraesthesias and dysesthesias), increased sensitivity to touch (hyperesthesia), painful sensation following innocuous stimulation (dynamic, static or thermal allodynia), increased sensitivity to noxious stimuli (thermal, cold, mechanical hyperalgesia), continuing pain sensation after removal of the stimulation (hyperpathia) or an absence of or deficit in selective sensory pathways (hypoalgesia).

The compounds of formula (I) may also be useful in the treatment of inflammation, for example in the treatment of skin conditions (e.g. sunburn, burns, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis); ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma, retinitis, retinopathies, uveitis and of acute injury to the eye tissue (e.g. conjunctivitis); lung disorders (e.g. asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, allergic rhinitis, respiratory distress syndrome, pigeon fancier's disease, farmer's lung, COPD; gastrointestinal tract disorders (e.g. aphthous ulcer, Crohn's disease, atopic gastritis, gastritis varialoforme, ulcerative colitis, coeliac disease, regional ileitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal reflux disease, diarrhoea, constipation); organ transplantation; other conditions with an inflammatory component such as vascular disease, migraine, periarteritis nodosa, thyroiditis, aplastic anaemia, Hodgkin's disease, sclerodoma, myaesthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, sorcoidosis, nephrotic syndrome, Bechet's syndrome, polymyositis, gingivitis, myocardial ischemia, pyrexia, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, tendinitis, bursitis, and Sjogren's syndrome.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be useful in the treatment of immunological diseases such as autoimmune diseases, immunological deficiency diseases or organ transplantation. The compounds of formula (I) may also be effective in increasing the latency of HIV infection.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be useful in the treatment of diseases of excessive or unwanted platelet activation such as intermittent claudication, unstable angina, stroke, and acute coronary syndrome (e.g. occlusive vascular diseases).

The compounds of formula (I) may also be useful as a drug with diuretic action, or may be useful to treat overactive bladder syndrome.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be useful in the treatment of impotence or erectile dysfunction.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be useful in the treatment of bone disease characterised by abnormal bone metabolism or resorption such as osteoporosis (especially postmenopausal osteoporosis), hyper-calcemia, hyperparathyroidism, Paget's bone diseases, osteolysis, hypercalcemia of malignancy with or without bone metastases, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis, osteoarthritis, ostealgia, osteopenia, calculosis, lithiasis (especially urolithiasis), gout and ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis and bursitis.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be useful in bone remodelling and/or promoting bone generation and/or promoting fracture healing.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be useful for attenuating the hemodynamic side effects of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be useful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension or myocardial ischemia; functional or organic venous insufficiency; varicose therapy; haemorrhoids; and shock states associated with a marked drop in arterial pressure (e.g. septic shock).

The compounds of formula (I) may also be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and neurodegeneration such as dementia, particularly degenerative dementia (including senile dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, Huntingdon's chorea, Parkinson's disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, ALS, motor neuron disease); vascular dementia (including multi-infarct dementia); as well as dementia associated with intracranial space occupying lesions; trauma; infections and related conditions (including HIV infection); metabolism; toxins; anoxia and vitamin deficiency; and mild cognitive impairment associated with ageing, particularly Age Associated Memory Impairment.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be useful in the treatment of neurological disorders and may be useful as neuroprotecting agents. The compounds of the invention may also be useful in the treatment of neurodegeneration following stroke, cardiac arrest, pulmonary bypass, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or the like.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be useful in the treatment of complications of Type 1 diabetes (e.g. diabetic microangiopathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma), nephrotic syndrome, aplastic anaemia, uveitis, Kawasaki disease and sarcoidosis.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be useful in the treatment of kidney dysfunction (nephritis, particularly mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, nephritic syndrome), liver dysfunction (hepatitis, cirrhosis) and gastrointestinal dysfunction (diarrhoea).

It is to be understood that as used herein any reference to treatment includes both treatment of established symptoms and prophylactic treatment.

According to a further embodiment the invention, there is provided a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof for use in human or veterinary medicine.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof for use in the treatment of a condition which is mediated by the action, or loss of action, of PGE₂ at EP₄ receptors.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of treating a human or animal subject suffering from a condition which is mediated by the action, or by loss of action, of PGE₂ at EP₄ receptors which comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.

According to a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of treating a human or animal subject suffering from a pain, or an inflammatory, immunological, bone, neurodegenerative or renal disorder, which method comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a condition which is mediated by the action, or loss of action, of PGE₂ at EP₄ receptors.

According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a condition such as a pain, or an inflammatory, immunological, bone, neurodegenerative or renal disorder.

The compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives are conveniently administered in the form of pharmaceutical compositions. Such compositions may conveniently be presented for use in conventional manner in admixture with one or more physiologically acceptable carriers or diluents.

Thus, in another aspect of the invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof adapted for use in human or veterinary medicine.

While it is possible for the compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof to be administered as the raw chemical, it is preferable to present it as a pharmaceutical formulation. The formulations of the present invention comprise the compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof together with one or more acceptable carriers or diluents therefor and optionally other therapeutic ingredients. The carrier(s) must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof. Thus, in one embodiment the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent therefor.

The formulations include those suitable for oral, parenteral (including subcutaneous e.g. by injection or by depot tablet, intradermal, intrathecal, intramuscular e.g. by depot and intravenous), rectal and topical (including dermal, buccal and sublingual) administration although the most suitable route may depend upon for example the condition and disorder of the recipient. The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy (see for example methods disclosed in ‘Remington—The Science and Practice of Pharmacy’, 21^(st) Edition, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, USA, 2005 and references therein). All methods include the step of bringing into association the compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof (“active ingredient”) with the carrier which constitutes one or more accessory ingredients. In general the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association the active ingredient with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both and then, if necessary, shaping the product into the desired formulation.

Formulations of the present invention suitable for oral administration may be presented as discrete units such as capsules, cachets or tablets (e.g. chewable tablets in particular for paediatric administration) each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient; as a powder or granules; as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or a non-aqueous liquid; or as an oil-in-water liquid emulsion or a water-in-oil liquid emulsion. The active ingredient may also be presented as a bolus, electuary or paste.

A tablet may be made by compression or moulding, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared by compressing in a suitable machine the active ingredient in a free-flowing form such as a powder or granules, optionally mixed with a binder, lubricant, inert diluent, lubricating, surface active or dispersing agent. Moulded tablets may be made by moulding in a suitable machine a mixture of the powdered compound moistened with an inert liquid diluent. The tablets may optionally be coated or scored and may be formulated so as to provide slow or controlled release of the active ingredient therein.

Formulations for parenteral administration include aqueous and non-aqueous sterile injection solutions which may contain anti-oxidants, buffers, bacteriostats and solutes which render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient; and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions which may include suspending agents and thickening agents. The formulations may be presented in unit-dose or multi-dose containers, for example sealed ampoules and vials, and may be stored in a freeze-dried (lyophilised) condition requiring only the addition of a sterile liquid carrier, for example, water-for-injection, immediately prior to use. Extemporaneous injection solutions and suspensions may be prepared from sterile powders, granules and tablets of the kind previously described.

Formulations for rectal administration may be presented as a suppository with the usual carriers such as cocoa butter, hard fat or polyethylene glycol.

Formulations for topical administration in the mouth, for example buccally or sublingually, include lozenges comprising the active ingredient in a flavoured basis such as sucrose and acacia or tragacanth, and pastilles comprising the active ingredient in a basis such as gelatin and glycerin or sucrose and acacia.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be formulated as depot preparations. Such long acting formulations may be administered by implantation (for example subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or by intramuscular injection. Thus, for example, the compounds of formula (I) may be formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives, for example, as a sparingly soluble salt.

In addition to the ingredients particularly mentioned above, the formulations may include other agents conventional in the art having regard to the type of formulation in question, for example those suitable for oral administration may include flavouring agents.

The compounds of formula (I) may be used in combination with other therapeutic agents, for example COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib or parecoxib; 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors; analgesics such as paracetamol; NSAID's, such as diclofenac, indomethacin, nabumetone, naproxen or ibuprofen; leukotriene receptor antagonists; DMARD's such as methotrexate; sodium channel blockers, such as lamotrigine; N-type calcium channel antagonists; NMDA receptor modulators, such as glycine receptor antagonists; gabapentin, pregabalin and related compounds; tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline; neurone stabilising antiepileptic drugs; mono-aminergic uptake inhibitors such as venlafaxine; opioid analgesics; local anaesthetics; 5HT₁ agonists, such as triptans, for example sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, almotriptan or rizatriptan; ER, receptor ligands; EP₂ receptor ligands; EP₃ receptor ligands; ER, antagonists; EP₂ antagonists and EP₃ antagonists; cannabanoid receptor agonists; VR¹ antagonists. When the compounds are used in combination with other therapeutic agents, the compounds may be administered either sequentially or simultaneously by any convenient route.

The invention thus provides, in a further embodiment, a combination comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof together with a further therapeutic agent or agents. In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a combination comprising an EP₄ receptor agonist of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof and paracetamol.

The combinations referred to above may conveniently be presented for use in the form of a pharmaceutical formulation and thus pharmaceutical formulations comprising a combination as defined above together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent comprise a further aspect of the invention. The individual components of such combinations may be administered either sequentially or simultaneously in separate or combined pharmaceutical formulations.

When a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof is used in combination with a second therapeutic agent active against the same disease, the dose of each compound may differ from that when the compound is used alone. Appropriate doses will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of treating a human or animal subject suffering from a condition which is mediated by the action, or by loss of action, of PGE₂ at EP₄ receptors which comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof and paracetamol.

A proposed daily dosage of compounds of formula (I) or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts for the treatment of man is from 0.001 to 30 mg/kg body weight per day and more particularly 0.1 to 3 mg/kg body weight per day, calculated as the free acid, which may be administered as a single or divided dose, for example one to four times per day. The dose range for adult human beings is generally from 0.1 to 1000 mg/day, such as from 10 to 800 mg/day, preferably 10 to 200 mg/day, calculated as the free acid.

A suitable daily dosage of paracetamol is up to 4000 mg per day. Suitable unit doses include 200, 400, 500 and 1000 mg, one, two, three or four times per day.

The precise amount of the compounds of formula (I) administered to a host, particularly a human patient, will be the responsibility of the attendant physician. However, the dose employed will depend on a number of factors including the age and sex of the patient, the precise condition being treated and its severity, the route of administration, and any possible combination therapy that may be being undertaken.

The present invention provides a process for preparing the compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof.

Thus, in one embodiment there is provided a process for preparing a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, which process comprises reacting a compound of formula (II),

wherein, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, m, n and X are as defined in formula (I) and R represents a suitable alkyl ester protecting group, such as a methyl, ethyl or benzyl group, with an aqueous acid, and optionally thereafter forming a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative of the compound so formed.

A suitable acid is 2N hydrochloric acid. The above-mentioned reaction involving a compound of formula (II) and an acid may be conveniently carried out in a solvent such as acetic acid, at an elevated temperature, for example 90° C.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a process for preparing a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, which process comprises reacting a compound of formula (II),

wherein, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, m, n and X are as defined in formula (I) and R represents a suitable alkyl ester protecting group, such as a methyl, ethyl or benzyl group, with a base and optionally thereafter forming a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative of the compound so formed.

Suitable bases include sodium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide. The above-mentioned reaction involving compound (II) and a base may be conveniently carried out in a solvent or a mixture of solvents, such as methanol/water, ethanol/water or 1,4-dioxane/water. The reaction may be performed at ambient or an elevated temperature.

Compounds of formula (II) where X represents O or NH may be prepared according to Scheme 1 below:

wherein, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, m, n and X are as defined in formula (I) and R represents a suitable alkyl ester protecting group, such as a methyl, ethyl or benzyl group.

Compounds of formula (II) may be obtained from compounds of formulae (C) and (D) using an amide coupling reagent such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide or N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride. The reaction is conveniently carried out in a solvent, such as dichloromethane, with or without a base, such as triethylamine, and at ambient or elevated temperature.

Alternatively, compounds of formula (II) may be obtained from compounds of formula (C) by a two-step procedure which entails first converting a compound of formula (C) to an acid chloride. This is conveniently achieved by treating a compound of formula (C) with a reagent such as thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride at ambient or elevated temperature, and optionally in the presence of a sub-stoichiometric quantity of dimethylformamide. After removal of excess reagent by evaporation and, if necessary, azeotropic distillation with toluene, the crude acid chloride is treated with a compound of formula (D), typically in a solvent, such as dichloromethane, in the presence of a base, such as pyridine or triethylamine, and at ambient or elevated temperature.

Compounds of formula (D) are commercially available or may be prepared in accordance with methods known in the art. For example, ethyl (4-aminophenyl)acetate is available from Lancaster Synthesis.

Compounds of formula (C) may be conveniently obtained by treating a compound of formula (B) with base, such as lithium hydroxide. The reaction may be conveniently carried out in a mixture of solvents, such as 1,4-dioxane/water, and at ambient or elevated temperature, for example 60° C.

Compounds of formula (B) may be obtained by treating a compound of formula (A) with a benzylating agent, such as a benzyl halide. The reaction is conveniently carried out in a solvent, such as dimethylformamide, in the presence of a base, such as potassium carbonate and at ambient or elevated temperature, for example 60° C.

Compounds of formula (A) are commercially available or may be prepared in accordance with methods known in the art. For example, 2-chloro-5-hydroxybenzoic acid is available from Apin Chemicals Ltd., UK.

Compounds of formula (II) where X represents NH may also be prepared according to Scheme 2 below:

wherein, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, m and n are as defined in formula (I) and R represents a suitable alkyl ester protecting group, such as a methyl, ethyl or benzyl group

Compounds of formula (II) may be obtained by treating a compound of formula (G) with a benzylating agent, such as a benzyl halide. The reaction is conveniently carried out in a solvent, such as dimethylformamide, in the presence of a base, such as potassium carbonate and at ambient or elevated temperature.

Alternatively, compounds of formula (II) may be obtained by treating a compound of formula (G) with an aldehyde, in the presence of a reducing agent, such as sodium triacetoxyborohydride and in a solvent, such as dichloromethane or dichloroethane. The reaction is typically carried out at low or ambient temperature, and with or without a catalytic quantity of an acid, such as acetic acid.

Compounds of formula (G) may be obtained by reduction of a compound of formula (F) with a mixture of iron powder and acetic acid in a solvent, such as ethanol. The reaction is typically carried out at elevated temperature, for example 80° C.

Compounds of formula (F) may be obtained from compounds of formula (E) by a two-step procedure which entails first converting a compound of formula (E) to an acid chloride. This is conveniently achieved by treating a compound of formula (E) with a reagent such as thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride at ambient or elevated temperature and with or without a sub-stoichiometric quantity of dimethylformamide. After removal of excess reagent by evaporation and, if necessary, azeotropic distillation with toluene, the crude acid chloride is treated with a compound of formula (D), typically in a solvent, such as dichloromethane, in the presence of a base, such as pyridine or triethylamine, and at ambient or elevated temperature.

Compounds of formula (E) are commercially available or may be prepared in accordance with methods known in the art. For example, 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzoic acid is available from Apollo Scientific.

Compounds of formula (II) where X represents O may also be prepared according to Scheme 3 below:

wherein, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, m and n are as defined in formula (I) and R represents a suitable alkyl ester protecting group, such as a methyl, ethyl or benzyl group

Compounds of formula (II) may be obtained by treating a compound of formula (K) with a benzylating agent, such as a benzyl halide. The reaction is conveniently carried out in a solvent, such as dimethylformamide, in the presence of a base, such as potassium carbonate and at ambient or elevated temperature.

Compounds of formula (K) may be obtained by treating a compound of formula (J) with a reagent such as boron tribromide in a solvent, such as dichloromethane and at reduced temperature, for example −78° C. to 0° C.

Compounds of formula (J) may be obtained from compounds of formula (I) by a two-step procedure which entails first converting a compound of formula (I) to an acid chloride. This is conveniently achieved by treating a compound of formula (I) with a reagent such as thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride at ambient or elevated temperature and with or without a sub-stoichiometric quantity of dimethylformamide. After removal of excess reagent by evaporation and, if necessary, azeotropic distillation with toluene, the crude acid chloride is treated with a compound of formula (D), typically in a solvent, such as dichloromethane, in the presence of a base, such as pyridine or triethylamine, and at ambient or elevated temperature.

Compounds of formula (I) may be obtained by treating a compound of formula (H) with an organometallic reagent, such as n-butyllithium, followed by solid carbon dioxide. The reaction may be conveniently carried out in a solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran, and at between low temperature (e.g. −78° C.) and ambient temperature.

Compounds of formula (H) are commercially available or may be prepared in accordance with methods known in the art. For example, 4-chloro-2-fluoro-1-(methyloxy)benzene is available from Sigma-Aldrich.

The following examples illustrate the preparation of the compounds of formula (I). The examples show the preparation of intermediates (“Intermediates”) and compounds of formula (I) (“Examples”). The starting material for the preparation of intermediates may not necessarily have been prepared from the batch referred to unless expressly indicated. The intermediates for the preparation of the examples may not necessarily have been prepared from the batch referred to unless expressly indicated.

ABBREVIATIONS

-   DCM Dichloromethane -   DMAP 4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine -   DMF Dimethylformamide -   DMSO Dimethylsulfoxide -   EtOH Ethanol -   EtOAc Ethyl acetate -   HCl Hydrochloric acid -   LC/MS Liquid chromatography/Mass spectroscopy -   MeOH Methanol -   MDAP Mass Directed Auto Preparation -   NaOH Sodium hydroxide

Analytical Procedures

For LC/MS data the 5 minute method is used unless stated otherwise.

LC/MS—5 Minute Method: Hardware

-   -   Agilent 1100 Gradient Pump     -   Agilent 1100 Autosampler     -   Agilent 1100 DAD Detector     -   Agilent 1100 Degasser     -   Agilent 1100 Oven     -   Agilent 1100 Controller     -   Waters ZQ Mass Spectrometer or Waters ZMD Mass Spectrometer     -   Sedere Sedex 75, Sedere Sedex 85 or Polymer Labs PL-ELS-2100

Software

Waters MassLynx version 4.0 SP2

Column

The column used is a Waters Atlantis, the dimensions of which are 4.6 mm×50 mm. The stationary phase particle size is 3 μm.

Solvents

A: Aqueous solvent=Water+0.05% Formic Acid B: Organic solvent=Acetonitrile+0.05% Formic Acid

Method

Time/min % B 0 3 0.1 3 4 97 4.8 97 4.9 3 5.0 3

-   -   The above method has a flow rate of 3 ml/mins.     -   The injection volume for the generic method is 5 ul     -   The column temperature is 30 deg     -   The UV detection range is from 220 to 330 nm

All retention times are measured in minutes.

LC/MS—2 Minute Method: Hardware

Waters Acquity Binary Solvent Manager

Waters Acquity Sample Manager

Waters Acquity PDA

Waters ZQ Mass Spectrometer

Sedere Sedex 75, Sedere Sedex 85 or Polymer Labs PL-ELS-2100

Software

Waters MassLynx version 4.1

Column

Acquity UPLC BEH C₁₈ 1.7 μm 2.1 mm×50 mm

Column oven set to 40 degrees centigrade

Solvents

A: Aqueous solvent=Water 0.1% Formic Acid+10 mM Ammonium Acetate

B: Organic solvent=MeCN:Water 95:5+0.05% Formic Acid

Weak wash Solvent=MeOH:Water 50:50

Strong Wash Solvent=MeOH

Instrument Settings

Injection volume: 0.5 μl

Injection technique: Partial loop overfill

Weak Wash: 500 μl

Strong Wash: 500 μl

UV detection: 220 to 330 nm

UV sampling rate: 40 points per second

MS scan range: 100 to 1000 amu

MS scanning rate: 0.2 second scan with a 0.1 second inter scan delay

MS scan function: Electrospray with pos neg switching

Cycle time: 2 minutes and 30 seconds

Gradient

Time Flow ml/min % A % B Curve 0 1 97 3 6 0.1 1 97 3 6 1.4 1 0 100 6 1.9 1 0 100 6 2 1 97 3 6

NMR

¹H NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker AVANCE 400 NMR spectrometer or a Bruker DPX250 NMR spectrometer. Chemical shifts are expressed in parts per million (ppm, δ units). Coupling constants (J) are in units of hertz (Hz). Splitting patterns describe apparent multiplicities and are designated as s (singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), q (quartet), dd (double doublet), dt (double triplet), m (multiplet), br (broad).

Purification Techniques

Purification of the Examples may be carried out by conventional methods such as chromatography and/or recrystallisation using suitable solvents. Chromatographic methods include column chromatography, flash chromatography, HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography), SFC (supercritical fluid chromatography), SCX (strong cation exchange chromatography) and MDAP (mass directed autopreparation).

The term “Biotage” when used herein refers to commercially available pre-packed silica gel cartridges.

Mass Directed Auto Preparation (MDAP) Column

Waters Atlantis: 19 mm×100 mm (small scale); and 30 mm×100 mm (large scale).

Stationary phase particle size, 5 μm.

Solvents

A: Aqueous solvent=Water+0.1% Formic Acid

B: Organic solvent=Acetonitrile+0.1% Formic Acid

Make up solvent=Methanol: Water 80:20

Needle rinse solvent=Methanol

Methods

Five methods were used depending on the analytical retention time of the compound of interest:

(1) Large/Small Scale 1.0-1.5=5-30% B

(2) Large/Small Scale 1.5-2.2=15-55% B

(3) Large/Small Scale 2.2-2.9=30-85% B

(4) Large/Small Scale 2.9-3.6=50-99% B

Runtime, 13.5 minutes, comprising 10-minute gradient followed by a 3.5 minute column flush and re-equilibration step.

(5) Large/Small Scale 3.6-5.0=80-99% B

Runtime, 13.5 minutes, comprising 6-minute gradient followed by a 7.5 minute column flush and re-equilibration step.

Flow Tate

20 mls/min (Small Scale) or 40 mls/min (Large Scale).

EXAMPLES Intermediate 1: (3-Chlorophenyl)methyl 2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}benzoate

To a mixture of 2-chloro-5-hydroxybenzoic acid (500 mg, 2.9 mmol) in DMF (20 ml) were added potassium carbonate (1.0 g, 7.3 mmol, 2.5 eq) and 3-chlorobenzyl bromide (0.8 ml, 6.1 mmol, 2.1 eq). The mixture was heated at 60° C. for 2.5 hours. On cooling the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (300 ml) and washed with water (2×100 ml) then brine (70 ml). Organic layer dried and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Biotage SP4, 100 g silica column) eluting with 0-30% ethyl acetate in hexanes to afford the title compound as a clear oil (1.16 g). MS (ES+) m/z 421 [M+H]⁺ (C₂₁H₁₆ ³⁵Cl₃O₃). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 5.19 (2H,$), 5.35 (2H,$), 7.26 (1H, dd, J 8.8, J 3.2), 7.40-7.56 (10H, m).

Intermediate 2: 2-Chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}benzoic acid

A solution of (3-chlorophenyl)methyl 2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}benzoate (970 mg, 2.3 mmol) in dioxane (30 ml) and water (15 ml) was treated with lithium hydroxide (monohydrate) (145 mg, 3.5 mmol, 1.5 eq). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The solvent was then evaporated in vacuo, the residue take up into water (50 ml) and washed with ether (100 ml). The aqueous layer was then acidified with 2M HCl the extracted with ether (2×150 ml). Organic layers combined, washed with brine, dried and evaporated in vacuo to afford the title product as a white solid (600 mg). MS (ES—) m/z 295 [M−H]⁻ (C₁₄H₁₀ ³⁵Cl₂O₃). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 5.17 (2H, s), 7.17-7.20 (1H, m), 7.38-7.53 (6H, m), 13.4 (1H, s).

Intermediate 3: Ethyl (4-amino-3-chlorophenyl)acetate

N-chlorosuccinimide (1 eq, 7.45 g, 55.8 mmol) was added to a solution of ethyl 4-aminophenylacetate (10 g, 55.8 mmol) in chloroform (200 mls). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature, under argon, for 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was washed with water (250 mls) and the organic layer collected using a hydrophobic frit. This was evaporated to dryness to give a dark brown oil, 9.8 g.

This was purified in 2 batches using the Biotage Horizon, reverse phase 100 g C18 cartridge. The product was eluted using a 5-100% gradient of acetonitrile in water. Approx. 1200 mls solvent was used for each batch.

Clean fractions from the first batch were combined and evaporated to dryness to yield the title compound as a dark red/brown oil, 2.28 g. MS (ES+) m/z 214 [M+H]⁺ (C₁₀H₁₂ ³⁵ClNO₂). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.25 (3H, t, J 11.2), 3.47 (2H, s), 4.00 (2H, bs), 4.14 (2H, t, J 12), 6.71 (1H, d, J 13.2), 6.98 (1H, dd, J 13.3, J 3.2), 7.19 (1H, d, J 3.2).

Intermediate 4: Ethyl (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetate

A solution of 2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}benzoic acid (230 mg, 0.77 mmol) in dichloromethane (3 ml) was treated with N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (178 mg, 0.93 mmol, 1.2 eq) and stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. A solution of ethyl (4-amino-3-chlorophenyl)acetate (198 mg, 0.93 mmol, 1.2 eq) in dichloromethane (2 ml) was added and the resulting mixture heated at 40° C. overnight. As some starting material was still present, another 100 mg of N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride were added and the mixture heated at 40° C. for another 2 hours. On cooling, the mixture was diluted with dichloromethane (50 ml) and water (30 ml), the layers separated and the aqueous layer extracted again into dichloromethane (50 ml). Organic layers combined, washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulphate and evaporated to afford the title compound as a yellow oil. The aqueous layer containing an insoluble solid was evaporated in vacuo, the residue purified by SCX cartridge eluting with methanol to afford a further crop of the title compound as a yellow oil (72 mg total). MS (ES+) m/z 492 [M+H]⁺ (C₂₄H₂₀ ³⁵Cl₃NO₄). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 1.20 (3H, t, J 7.2), 3.72 (2H, s), 4.10 (2H, q, J 7.2), 5.20 (2H,$), 7.15-7.62 (10H, m).

The following intermediates 5 and 6 were prepared in a similar manner to ethyl (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetate, without recovering a second crop from the aqueous phase and with additional purification by silica chromatography, as appropriate:

Int no Structure LC MS Comments 5

3.58 [C₂₄H₂₁ ³⁵Cl₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 458 Same as intermediate 4, no recovery of second crop, additional purification by column chromatography 6

3.49 [C₂₄H₂₁ ³⁵Cl₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 458 Same as intermediate 4, no recovery of second crop

Intermediate 7: Ethyl phenylmethyl (2-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl)propanedioate

Sodium hydride (504 mg, 12.6 mmol) was added portionwise to an ice bath chilled solution of benzyl ethyl malonate (2.9 g, 12.6 mmol) in dry DMF (20 ml) and stirred for 10 minutes. At room temperature 3,4-difluoronitrobenzene (2 g, 12.6 mmol) was added and stirred under argon. Heated at 100° C. for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and partitioned between 2N Hydrochloric acid (75 ml) and ethyl acetate (75 ml). The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×75 ml) and the combined organics were evaporated to a yellow oil. Purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:4) to give the title compound as a yellow oil (3.86 g, 10.6 mmol). LC/MS: Rt=3.40, [MH]⁺ 362

Intermediate 8: Ethyl (4-amino-2-fluorophenyl)acetate

Ethyl phenylmethyl (2-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl)propanedioate (3.86 g, 10.6 mmol) dissolved in ethanol, was treated with ammonium formate (6.7 g, 10.6 mmol) and palladium on carbon 10% paste (380 mg) was added under argon. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 3 hours, cooled and filtered. Evaporated and purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:1) to give the title compound as a yellow oil (1.26 g). LC/MS: Rt=2.10, [MH]⁺198.

The following intermediates 9 and 10 were prepared in a similar manner to ethyl (4-amino-2-fluorophenyl)acetate, using the appropriate starting materials.

Int No LC MS 9

Rt = 2.20 [MH]⁺ 198 10

1.46 For a detailed description for intermediate 10 see below. [MH]⁺ 194

Intermediate 10 was prepared according to the method of intermediate 8 (including the method of intermediate 7) using the appropriate starting materials except for the following differences:

Differerences from the method of intermediate 7:

-   -   Stirred for 30 minutes;     -   Heated at 100° C. for 5 hours and then overnight;     -   Extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with water (×2) and brine,         dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and then evaporated;     -   Chromatography was run in a gradient of 10-20% ethyl acetate in         hexane.

Differences from the method of intermediate 8:

-   -   Heated at 60° C. for 2 hours;     -   Chromatography was run in a gradient of 0 to 50% ethyl acetate         in hexane.

Intermediate 11: diethyl (2,5-difluoro-4-nitrophenyl)propanedioate

Crushed sodium hydroxide pellets (2.26 g, 56.5 mmol) were added portionwise over 20 minutes to solution of 1,2,4-trifluoro-5-nitrobenzene (5.0 g, 28.2 mmol) and diethyl chloropropanedioate (4.57 ml, 56.5 mmol) in dry DMF (50 ml) at 0° C. under argon. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled to OC and acidified with 2N Hydrochloric acid (50 ml) then extracted with ethyl acetate (150 ml) and washed with water (150 ml). The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and evaporated to an orange oil. Purified by chromatography on silica gel (Biotage SP4, 100 g silica column) eluting with 0-20% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound as a yellow oil (4.84 g, 15.3 mmol). LC/MS: Rt=3.07, [MH]⁻ 316.

The following intermediates 12 and 13 were prepared in a similar manner to diethyl (2,5-difluoro-4-nitrophenyl)propanedioate using the appropriate starting materials.

Int No LC MS 12

Rt = 3.21 [C₁₃H₁₃ ³⁵ClFNO₆ MH]⁻ 332 13

Rt = 3.18 [C₁₃H₁₃ ³⁵ClFNO₆ MH]⁻ 332

Intermediate 14: diethyl (4-amino-2,5-difluorophenyl)propanedioate

10% Pd/C (wet paste, 484 mg) was added to a solution of diethyl (2,5-difluoro-4-nitrophenyl)propanedioate (4.84 g, 15.3 mmol) and ammonium formate (5 eq, 4.81 g, 76.34 mmol) in ethanol (100 mL). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux under argon for one hour. The reaction was allowed to cool and then filtered through celite to remove the Pd residues. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness and then partitioned between ethyl acetate (100 mL) and water (100 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and then evaporated to dryness to give the title compound as an orange oil (4.39 g) LC/MS Rt=1.07 min, [MH]⁺ 288.

The following intermediates 15 and 16 were prepared in a similar manner to diethyl (4-amino-2,5-difluorophenyl)propanedioate using the appropriate starting materials with additional purification by silica chromatography as appropriate:

Int No LC MS 15

Rt = 1.13 [C₁₃H₁₅ ³⁵ClFNO₄ MH]⁺ 304 16

Rt = 1.13 [C₁₃H₁₅ ³⁵ClFNO₄ MH]⁺ 304

Intermediate 17: Ethyl (4-amino-2,5-difluorophenyl)acetate

Sodium hydroxide (903 mg, 22.58 mmol) in water (7 ml) was added to a solution of diethyl (4-amino-2,5-difluorophenyl)propanedioate (4.32 g, 15.05 mmol) in ethanol (35 ml). The reaction mixture was heated to 90° C. under argon for 1 hr. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and then the solvent was evaporated. The residue was acidified (2M HCl, 200 ml) and then extracted with ethyl acetate (200 ml). The organic layer was dried (Mg SO₄) and the solvent evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (Biotage SP4, 40+M, 0→25% ethyl acetate/hexane) to afford the title compound as a pale yellow oil (1.3 g). MS (ES+) m/z 216 [M+H⁺] (C₁₀H₁₁FNO₂).

The following intermediates 18 and 19 were prepared in a similar manner to diethyl (4-amino-2,5-difluorophenyl)propanedioate using the appropriate starting materials:

Int No LC MS 18

Rt = 2.63 [C₁₀H₁₁ ³⁵ClFNO₂ MH]⁺ 232 19

Rt = 2.67 [C₁₀H₁₁ ³⁵ClFNO₂ MH]⁺ 232

Intermediate 20: Ethyl (4-{([(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-2-fluorophenyl)acetate

A solution of 2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}benzoic acid (207 mg, 0.7 mmol) in dichloromethane (3 ml) was treated with N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (201 mg, 1.05 mmol, 1.5 eq) and stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. A solution of ethyl (4-amino-2-fluorophenyl)acetate (207 mg, 1.05 mmol, 1.5 eq) in dichloromethane (2 ml) was added and the resulting mixture heated at 40° C. overnight. On cooling, the mixture was diluted with methanol and purified by SCX cartridge eluting with methanol to afford the title compound as a yellow oil (110 mg). MS (ES+) m/z 476 [M+H]⁺ (C₂₄H₂₀ ³⁵Cl₂FNO₄). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 1.19 (3H, t, J 7.2), 3.68 (2H, s), 4.09 (2H, q, J 7.2), 5.20 (2H,$), 7.15-7.68 (10H, m).

The following intermediates 21 and 22 and were prepared in a similar manner to ethyl (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-2-fluorophenyl)acetate, with the addition of N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as a catalyst, longer heating times as appropriate:

Int no Structure LC MS Comments 21

3.62 [C₂₄H₂₀ ³⁵Cl₂FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 476 DMAP added 22

3.68 [C₂₄H₁₉ ³⁵Cl₂F₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 494 Heated for the weekend,, DMAP added and heated overnight

Intermediate 23: Ethyl (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-2-fluorophenyl)acetate

A solution of 2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}benzoic acid (200 mg, 0.67 mmol) in dichloromethane (3 ml) was treated with oxalyl chloride (90 ul, 1.0 mmol) and DMF (1 drop). Effervescence was observed and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. The solvent was then evaporated in vacuo and azeotroped with toluene. The resulting solid was dissolved in dichloromethane (3 ml) and treated with triethylamine (140 ul, 1.0 mmol) and a solution of ethyl (4-amino-3-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)acetate (230 mg, 1.0 mmol) in dichloromethane (2 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was then diluted with acetonitrile and purified by SCX cartridge eluting with acetonitrile. Fractions combined and evaporated, residue purified by MDAP to give the title compound as a white solid (110 mg). MS (ES+) m/z 510 [M+H]⁺(C₂₄H₁₉ ³⁵Cl₃FNO₄). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 1.20 (3H, t, J 7.2), 3.81 (2H, s), 4.12 (2H, q, J 7.2), 5.20 (2H,$), 7.16-7.55 (9H, m).

The following intermediates 24 to 27 were prepared in a similar manner to ethyl (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-2-fluorophenyl)acetate with longer reaction times, aqueous work up, or without the need for purification by MDAP as appropriate:

Int no Structure LC MS Comments 24

3.50 [C₂₅H₂₃ ³⁵Cl₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 472 Same as intermediate 23, no MDAP purification 25

3.84 [C₂₄H₁₉ ³⁵Cl₃FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 510 Same as intermediate 23, stirred at RT overnight 26

1.35 (2 min) [C₂₅H₂₄ ³⁵ClNO₄ M + H]⁺ 438 Same as intermediate 23, stirred over weekend aqueous work up before SCX 27

1.29 (2 min) [C₂₅H₂₅NO₄ M + H]⁺ 404 Same as intermediate 23, stirred over weekend, aqueous work up before SCX

Example 1 (3-Chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid

A solution of ethyl (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetate (72 mg, 0.15 mmol) in acetic acid (3 ml) and 2M HCl (3 ml) was heated at 90° C. for 2 hours. On cooling water was added and the mixture filtered. The resulting solid was dried in vac oven, then triturated with ether to afford the title compound as an off-white solid (32 mg). MS (ES+) m/z 464 [M+H]⁺(C₂₄H₂₀ ³⁵Cl₃NO₄). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 3.63 (2H,$), 5.20 (2H,$), 7.17 (1H, dd, J 8.8, J 2.8), 7.25-7.60 (10H, m), 10.18 (1H, s), 12.5 (1H, s).

The following examples of the invention were prepared in a similar manner to Example 1 from the intermediates described above, with the addition of extra reagent or an organic solvent, longer reaction time and with additional purification by MDAP instead of or in addition to trituration as appropriate:

Ex no Structure LC MS Comments 2

3.07 [C₂₂H₁₇ ³⁵Cl₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 430 Purification: solvent evaporated, residue purified by MDAP 3

3.08 [C₂₂H₁₇ ³⁵Cl₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 430 2M HCl added (3 ml), heated for 2.5 hours, then additional 2M HCl added (5 ml), then heated for additional 3 hours 4

3.13 [C₂₂H₁₆ ³⁵Cl₂FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 448 no ether trituration 5

3.11 [C₂₂H₁₆ ³⁵Cl₂FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 448 trituration with DCM 6

3.19 [C₂₂H₁₅ ³⁵Cl₂F₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 466 Purification: solvent evaporated, residue purified by MDAP 7

1.29 (2 min) [C₂₂H₁₅ ³⁵Cl₃FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 482 no ether trituration 8

1.21 (2 min) [C₂₃H₁₉ ³⁵Cl₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 444 no ether trituration 9

3.34 [C₂₂H₁₅ ³⁵Cl₃FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 482 Heated for 2 h then dioxane added and heated overnight. Trituration with DCM instead of ether 10

1.17 (2 min) [C₂₃H₂₀ ³⁵ClNO₄ M + H]⁺ 410 No ether trituration 11

1.10 (2 min) [C₂₃H₂₁NO₄ M + H]⁺ 376 No ether trituration

Intermediate 28: Ethyl (4-{[(2-chloro-5-nitrophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetate

2-Chloro-5-nitrobenzoic acid (1.99 g, 9.87 mmol) was stirred for 18 hrs at 60° C. in thionyl chloride (10 ml). The excess thionyl chloride was removed by evaporation and the crude oil dissolved in chloroform (20 ml). To this solution was added ethyl (4-aminophenyl)acetate (1.18 g, 6.58 mmol) and the reaction was stirred at 60° C. for 18 hrs. The reaction was diluted with water and the phases separated. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄), solvent evaporated and the residue purified by flash chromatography (Biotage SP4, 40+M 0→50% ethylacetate/hexane) to afford the title compound as an off white solid (2.28 g, 96%). MS (ES+) m/z 363 [M+H⁺] (C₁₇H₁₆ ³⁵ClN₂O₆).

¹H-NMR (250 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.26 (3H, t, J 7), 3.62 (2H, s), 4.14 (2H, q, J 7), 7.30 (2H, d, J 8.5), 7.63 (3H, m), 7.93 (1H, br s), 8.24 (1H, dd, J 9, 3), 8.58 (1H, d, J 3).

Intermediate 29: Ethyl (4-{[(5-amino-2-chlorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetate

A solution of ethyl (4-{[(2-chloro-5-nitrophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetate (2.27 g, 6.3 mmol) in EtOH (20 ml) was heated at 50° C. A 20% aqueous solution of acetic acid (10 ml) was added followed by iron (6 eq, 37.6 mmol, 2.1 g). The mixture was heated at 80° C. for 30 minutes. On cooling the mixture was filtered through celite washing with EtOH. Solvent evaporated in vacuo. Residue taken up in EtOAc and aqueous sodium bicarbonate. Layers separated, aqueous layer extracted with EtOAc (×2). Organic layers combined and washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulphate and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Biotage SP4, 100 g silica column) eluting with 25-75% ethyl acetate in hexanes to afford the title compound as a light yellow oil (1.8 g). MS (ES+) m/z 333 [M+H]⁺(C₁₇H₁₇ ³⁵ClN₂O₃). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 1.18 (3H, m), 3.61 (2H, s), 4.05 (2H, m), 5.47 (2H, s), 6.65 (2H, m), 7.12 (1H, d, J 8.4), 7.22 (2H, d, J 8.4), 7.64 (2H, m).

Intermediate 30: Ethyl {4-[({2-chloro-5-[(phenylmethyl)amino]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetate

A solution of ethyl (4-{[(5-amino-2-chlorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetate (300 mg, 0.90 mmol) in DMF (5 ml) was treated with potassium carbonate (152 mg, 1.1 mmol, 1.2 eq) and benzyl bromide (215 ul, 1.8 mmol, 2 eq) and stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (150 ml) and washed with water (2×80 ml) and brine (80 ml). Organic layer dried over magnesium sulphate and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Biotage SP4, 40 g silica column) eluting with 0-25% ethyl acetate in hexanes to afford the title compound as a white solid (90 mg). MS (ES+) m/z 423 [M+H]⁺(C₂₄H₂₃ ³⁵ClN₂O₃). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 1.18 (3H, t, J 7.2), 3.61 (2H, s), 4.07 (2H, q, J 7.2), 4.30 (2H, d, J 6), 6.62-7.65 (13H, m).

The following intermediates 31 and 32 were prepared in a similar manner to ethyl {4-[({2-chloro-5-[(phenylmethyl)amino]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetate, with shorter reaction times where appropriate:

Int no Structure LC MS Comments 31

3.41 [C₂₄H₂₂ ³⁵Cl₂N₂O₃ M + H]⁺ 457 Reaction time 6.5 hours 32

3.40 [C₂₄H₂₂ ³⁵Cl₂N₂O₃ M + H]⁺ 457 Reaction time 5 hours

Example 12 {4-[({2-chloro-5-[(phenylmethyl)amino]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic acid

A solution of ethyl {4-[({2-chloro-5-[(phenylmethyl)amino]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetate (90 mg, 0.21 mmol) in acetic acid (2 ml) and 2M HCl (2 ml) was heated at 90° C. for 2 hours. On cooling water was added then solvent evaporated in vacuo and azeotroped with toluene. The residue was purified by MDAP to afford the title compound as a white solid (40 mg). MS (ES+) m/z 395 [M+H]⁺(C₂₂H₁₉ ³⁵ClN₂O₃). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 3.51 (2H,$), 4.30 (2H, d, J 4.4), 6.63-6.73 (3H, m), 7.15-7.36 (10H, m), 10.3 (1H, s).

The following examples of the invention were prepared by a similar method to {4-[({2-chloro-5-[(phenylmethyl)amino]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic acid:

Ex no Structure LC MS 13

2.92 [C₂₂H₁₈ ³⁵Cl₂N₂O₃ M + H]⁺ 429 14

2.92 [C₂₂H₁₈ ³⁵Cl₂N₂O₃ M + H]⁺ 429

Intermediate 33: 6-Chloro-2-fluoro-3-(methyloxy)benzoic acid

n-Butyllithium (11.7 ml, 18.77 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of 4-chloro-2-fluoroanisole (2.01 g, 12.52 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (20 ml) at −78° C. and the reaction was stirred for 30 mins. Crushed solid carbon dioxide was added in one portion and the reaction was then allowed to warm to room temperature. The solvent was evaporated and the residue dissolved in water. Sodium hydroxide (2M to pH˜14) was added and the aqueous layer extracted with ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was acidified with hydrochloric acid (5M, pH˜1) and the title compound was collected as a colourless solid (2.25 g, 88%). The compound was dried in vacuo.

MS (ES+) m/z 205 [M+H⁺] (C₈H₆ ³⁵ClFO₃).

¹H-NMR (250 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 3.87 (3H, s), 7.32 (2H, m), 14.1 (1H, br s).

Intermediate 34: Ethyl [4-({[6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-(methyloxy)phenyl]carbonyl}amino)phenyl]acetate

Oxalyl chloride (193 μl, 2.21 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of 6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-(methyloxy)benzoic acid (300 mg, 1.47 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 ml). To this was added dimethylformamide (1 drop) and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 3 hrs. The solvent was evaporated to afford a yellow semi-solid. This semi-solid was dissolved in dichloromethane (5 ml) and ethyl (4-aminophenyl)acetate (316 mg, 1.76 mmol) followed by triethylamine (287 μl, 2.06 mmol) were added. The resultant solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was diluted with water and the phases separated. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄), the solvent evaporated and the residue purified by flash chromatography (Biotage SP4, 25+M silica column, 0→50% ethyl acetate/petrol) to afford the title as a yellow semi-solid (506 mg, 94%). MS (ES+) m/z 366 [M+H⁺] (C₁₈H₁₇ ³⁵ClFNO₄).

¹H-NMR (250 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.26 (3H, t, J 7.25), 3.60 (2H, s), 3.91 (3H, s), 4.13 (2H, q, J 7), 6.97 (1H, t, J 9), 7.17 (1H, dd, J 9, 2), 7.29 (2H, d, J 8.75), 7.45 (1H, br s), 7.59 (2H, m).

Intermediate 35: Ethyl (4-{[(6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-hydroxyphenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetate

Boron tribromide (393 μl, 4.16 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of ethyl [4-({[6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-(methyloxy)phenyl]carbonyl}amino)phenyl]acetate (506 mg, 1.39 mmol) in dichloromethane (30 ml) at −78° C. under argon and the reaction was stirred overnight whilst slowly warming to 0° C. The reaction was quenched by the careful addition of water, stirred for 1 hour, further diluted with ethyl acetate, filtered, phases separated, the organic layer dried (Na₂SO₄) and solvent evaporated and the residue purified by flash chromatography (Biotage SP4, 25+M silica column, 0→80% ethyl acetate/petrol, clean fractions collected) to afford the title compound as a colourless foam (157 mg, 32%).

MS (ES+) m/z 352 [M+H⁺] (C₁₇H₁₅ ³⁵ClFNO₄).

¹H-NMR (250 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.26 (3H, t, J 7.25), 3.61 (3H, s), 4.14 (2H, q, J 7), 6.99 (1H, t, J 8.75), 7.10 (1H, dd, J 8.75, 1.5), 7.28 (1H, d, J 8.75), 7.57 (2H, m).

Intermediate 36: Ethyl (4-{[(6-chloro-3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetate

3-Chlorobenzylbromide (28 μl, 0.24 mmol) was added to a suspension of ethyl (4-{[(6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-hydroxyphenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetate (80 mg, 0.228 mmol) and potassium carbonate (38 mg, 0.273 mmol) in dimethylformamide (3 ml) and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 4 hrs. The solvent was evaporated and the residue partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The organic layer was separated, dried (Na₂SO₄) and the solvent evaporated to afford the title compound as a colourless oil (91 mg, 84%).

MS (ES+) m/z 474 [M+H⁺] (C₂₄H₁₈ ³⁵Cl₂NO₄).

¹H-NMR (250 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.25 (3H, t, J 7.25), 3.60 (2H, s), 4.12 (2H, q, J 7.25), 5.11 (2H, s), 6.95 (1H, t, J 8.75), 7.13 (1H, dd, J 8.75, 1.5), 7.33 (6H, m), 7.41 (1H, s), 7.61 (2H, m).

The following intermediate was prepared in a similar manner to Ethyl (4-{[(6-chloro-3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetate:

Int no Structure LC MS 37

1.30 (2 min) [C₂₄H₂₁ ³⁵ClFNO₄ M + H]⁺ 442

Example 15 (4-{[(6-Chloro-3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid

Lithium hydroxide monohydate (12 mg, 0.281 mmol) was added to a solution of ethyl (4-{[(6-chloro-3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetate (91 mg, 0.192 mmol in dioxane (2 ml) and water (1 ml) and the reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was evaporated, the residue dissolved in water (5 ml) and acidified (2M HCl, pH˜1). The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate, the organics dried (Na₂SO₄) and the solvent evaporated to afford a colourless solid which was collected by filtration. This was purified by mass directed auto-prep (MDAP) to afford the title compound as a colourless solid (28 mg, 32%).

MS (ES+) m/z 414 [M+H⁺] (C₂₂H₁₆ ³⁵Cl₂FNO₄).

¹H-NMR (250 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 3.54 (2H, s), 5.26 (2H, s), 7.23 (2H, d, J 5.25), 7.33-7.60 (7H, m), 7.62 (2H, m).

The following example of the invention was prepared in a similar manner to (4-{[(6-Chloro-3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid, without the need for MDAP purification:

Ex no Structure LC MS 16

1.12 (2 min) [C₂₂H₁₇ ³⁵ClFNO₄ M + H]⁺ 414

The following intermediate 38 was prepared in a similar manner to (2,5-difluoro-4-nitrophenyl)propanedioate (intermediate 11), using the appropriate starting materials.

Int No LC MS 38

Rt = 3.06 [MH]⁺ 318

The following intermediate 39 was prepared in a similar manner to diethyl (4-amino-2,5-difluorophenyl)acetate (intermediate 14), using the appropriate starting materials.

Int No LC MS 39

Rt = 2.69 [MH]⁺ 288

The following intermediate 40 was prepared in a similar manner to ethyl (4-amino-2,5-difluorophenyl)acetate (intermediate 17), using the appropriate starting materials.

Int No LC MS 40

Rt = 2.52 [MH]⁺ 216

Intermediate 41: 6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-hydroxybenzoic acid

Boron tribromide (1.5 ml, 15.3 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of 6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-(methyloxy)benzoic acid (intermediate 33, 1.04 g, 5.1 mmol) in dichloromethane (100 ml) at O° C. under an atmosphere of Argon. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 18 hrs. Water (5 ml) was added and the solid formed stirred for 5 mins. Sodium hydroxide (2M, 4 ml) was added and the remaining solid dissolved. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer evaporated to afford a colourless solid. This was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×) and the combined organics evaporated to afford the title compound as a yellow solid (831 mg). ¹H-NMR δ 7.02 (1H, t, J 10), 7.16 (1H, dd, J 10, 3), 10.48 (1H, s), 13.96 (1H, br s).

The following intermediates 42 to 54 were obtained from the appropriate substituted 5-hydroxybenzoic acid by a similar two-step method (alkylation followed by ester hydrolysis) to that used for intermediate 2, with any differences from the described procedures noted in the following table:

Int No LC MS Comments 42

2.84 [C₁₄H₁₁ ³⁵ClO₃ M − H]⁻ 261 hydrolysis: stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. 43

1.20 (2 min) [C₁₅H₁₃ ³⁵ClO₃ M − H]⁻ 275 alkylation: 2.0 eq alkylating agent, 2.0 eq K₂CO₃; heated 70° C. for 2 hours, then room temp. overnight, then 80° C. for 6 hours. Crude product not purified further. hydrolysis: stirred at room temperature overnight; further LiOH•H₂O (1.5 eq) added; stirred at room temperature overnight. For a detailed description see Intermediate 84 and 85. 44

1.11 (2 min) [C₁₅H₁₄O₃ M − H]⁻ 241 alkylation: 2.0 eq alkylating agent, 2.0 eq K₂CO₃; heated 70° C. for 2 hours, then room temp. overnight, then 80° C. for 6 hours. Crude product not purified further. hydrolysis: stirred at room temperature overnight; further LiOH•H₂O (1.5 eq) added; stirred at room temperature overnight. 45

1.12 (2 min) [C₁₄H₉ ³⁵Cl₂FO₃ M − H]⁻ 313 alkylation: 2.1 eq alkylating agent, 2.4 eq K₂CO₃. hydrolysis: heated at 50° C. overnight; acidified with 5N HCl, precipitated solid collected to furnish product. 46

1.03 (2 min) [C₁₄H₁₀ ³⁵ClFO₃ M − H]⁻ 279 alkylation: 2.1 eq alkylating agent, 2.4 eq K₂CO₃; crude product not purified further. hydrolysis: heated at 50° C. overnight; acidified with 5N HCl, precipitated solid collected to furnish product. 47

2.85 [C₁₄H₁₀ ³⁵ClFO₃ M − H]⁻ 279 alkylation: stirred at room temperature for 67 h. Reaction mixture diluted EtOAc, filtered, washed with water then brine. Crude product not purified further. hydrolysis: stirred 16 hours at room temperature. 48

2.98 [C₁₅H₁₃ ³⁵ClO₃ M − H]⁻ 275 alkylation: stirred at room temperature for 67 h. Reaction mixture diluted EtOAc, filtered, washed with water then brine. Crude product not purified further. hydrolysis: stirred 16 hours at room temperature. 49

3.06 [C₁₄H₁₀ ³⁵Cl₂O₃ M − H]⁻ 295 alkylation: bromide (2.2 eq). Heated at 80° C. for 3 hours. Further portion of bromide (2.2 eq) added. Heated at 80° C. for a further hour. No brine wash on work-up. Crude product not purified further. hydrolysis: stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. Washed with EtOAc not ether. No brine wash. 50

3.02 [C₁₄H₁₀ ³⁵Cl₂O₃ M − H]⁻ 295 alkylation: bromide (2.2 eq). Heated at 80° C. for 3 hours. Further portion of bromide (2.2 eq) added. Heated at 80° C. for a further hour. No brine wash on work-up. Crude product not purified further. hydrolysis: stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. Washed with EtOAc not ether. No brine wash. 51

1.15 (2 min) [C₁₅H₁₃FO₃ M − H]⁻ 259 alkylation: stirred at room temperature for 24 hours, further alkylation agent (0.25 eq) added, heated at 65° C. for 24 hours; reaction mixture diluted EtOAc, filtered, washed with water then brine. Crude product not purified further. hydrolysis: stirred at room temperature for 6 hours, heated at 65° C. for 2 hours, then stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. 52

1.21 (2 min) [C₁₆H₁₆O₃ M − H]⁻ 255 alkylation: stirred at room temperature for 24 hours, further alkylating agent (0.25 eq) added, heated at 65° C. for 24 hours; reaction mixture diluted EtOAc, filtered, washed with water then brine. Crude product not purified further. hydrolysis: stirred at room temperature for 6 hours, heated at 65° C. for 2 hours, then stirred at room temperature overnight. 53

2.76 [C₁₄H₉ ³⁵ClF₂O₃ M − H]⁻ 297 alkylation: Reaction mixture diluted EtOAc, filtered, washed with sat. aq. NaHCO₃ then brine. Crude product not purified further. hydrolysis: stirred at room temperature overnight. 54

1.12 (2 min) [C₁₅H₁₂ ³⁵ClFO₃ M − H]⁻ 293 alkylation: heated at 65° C. for 2 hours; reaction mixture diluted EtOAc, filtered, washed with water then brine. Crude product not purified further. hydrolysis: heated at 65° C. for 2 hours, then stirred at room temperature overnight; after evaporation, residue taken up in 2N NaOH then washed/ acidified as described.

The following intermediates 55 to 83 were prepared by a similar two-step method to ethyl (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-2-fluorophenyl)acetate (intermediate 23) from the appropriate starting materials with any differences from the described procedure noted in the following table:

Int No Compound LC MS Comments 55

1.37 (2 min) [C₂₅H₂₄ ³⁵ClNO₄ M + H]+ 438 Acid chloride formation stirred for 2 hours. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. 56

1.43 (2 min) [C₂₅H₂₃ ³⁵Cl₂NO₄ M + H]+ 472 Acid chloride formation stirred for 2 hours. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. 57

1.34 (2 min) [C₂₄H₂₀ ³⁵Cl₂FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 476 Acid chloride formation stirred for 2 hours. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. No azeotrope step. Work up: evaporated to dryness, partitioned between EtOAc and water, organic phase dried and evaporated. Purified by SP4 silica chromatography 58

1.39 (2 min) [C₂₄H₁₉ ³⁵Cl₃FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 510 Acid chloride formation stirred for 2 hours. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. No azeotrope step. Work up: evaporated to dryness, partitioned between EtOAc and water, organic phase dried and evaporated. Purified by SP4 silica chromatography 59

1.34 (2 min) [M + H]⁺ 456 (C₂₅H₂₃ClFNO₄) No MDAP 60

1.35 (2 min) [M + H]⁺ 460 (C₂₄H₂₀ClF₂NO₄) no MDAP 61

1.39 (2 min) [C₂₄H₂₁ ³⁵ClFNO₄ [M + H]+ 456 Acid chloride formation stirred for 1 hour. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. No MDAP 62

1.38 (2 min) [C₂₅H₂₄ ³⁵ClNO₄ M + H]+ 452 Acid chloride formation stirred for 1 hour. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. No MDAP For a detailed description see Intermediates 86 and 87 63

1.39 (2 min) [C₂₅H₂₃ ³⁵ClFNO₄ M + H]+ 456 Acid chloride formation stirred for 1 hour. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. No MDAP 64

1.37 (2 min) [C₂₆H₂₆ ³⁵ClNO₄ M + H]+ 452 Acid chloride formation stirred for 1 hour. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. No MDAP 65

1.36 (2 min) [C₂₄H₂₁ ³⁵Cl₂NO₄ M + H]+ 458 Acid chloride formation stirred for 1 hour. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. No MDAP 66

1.47 (2 min) [C₂₄H₂₀ ³⁵Cl₃NO₄ M + H]+ 492 Acid chloride formation stirred for 1 hour. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. No MDAP 67

1.47 (2 min) [C₂₄H₂₀ ³⁵Cl₃NO₄ M + H]+ 493 Acid chloride formation stirred for 1 hour. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. No MDAP 68

1.32 (2 min) no mass ion detected Acid chloride formation stirred for 3 hours. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. No azeotrope step. No MDAP 69

1.38 (2 min) no mass ion detected Acid chloride formation stirred for 3 hours. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. No azeotrope step. No MDAP 70

1.33 (2 min) [M + H]⁺ 440 (C₂₅H₂₃F₂NO₄) Stirred at room temp o/n after addition amine No MDAP 71

1.32 (2 min) [M + H]⁺ 436 (C₂₆H₂₆FNO₄) Stirred at room temp o/n after addition amine No MDAP 72

1.38 (2 min) [C₂₆H₂₆FNO₄ M + H]+ 436 Acid chloride formation stirred for 1 hour. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. 73

1.44 (2 min) [C₂₆H₂₆ ³⁵ClNO₄ M + H]+ 452 Oxalyl chloride (2 eqs). Stirred room temp 2 hours. No azeotrope step. Aniline (1.1 eqs). Triethylamine (1.3 eqs). Stirred room temp overnight. 74

1.35 (2 min) [M + H]⁺ 494 (C₂₄H₁₉ ³⁵Cl₂F₂NO₄) Stirred at room temp o/n after addition amine Purification by trituration with DCM after SCX (no MDAP) 75

1.36 (2 min) [C₂₇H₂₉NO₄ M + H]+ 432 Acid chloride formation stirred for 1 hour. Stirred overnight after addition of amine. No MDAP 76

1.39 (2 min) [C₂₅H₂₃ ³⁵ClFNO₄ M + H]+ 456 Oxalyl chloride (2 eqs). Stirred room temp 2 hours. No azeotrope step. Aniline (1.1 eqs). Triethylamine (1.3 eqs). Stirred room temp overnight. No MDAP 77

1.35 (2 min) [M + H]⁺ 494 (C₂₄H₁₉Cl₂F₂NO₄) Stirred at room temp o/n after addition amine No MDAP 78

1.36 (2 min) [C₂₅H₂₂ ³⁵ClF₂NO₄ M + H]+ 474 Acid chloride formation stirred for 2 hours. Pyridine used as base, stirred overnight after addition of amine. No MDAP 79

1.35 (2 min) [M + H]⁺ 494 (C₂₅H₂₂ ³⁵Cl₂FNO₄) Stirred at room temp o/n after addition amine No MDAP 80

3.47 (5 min) [M + H]⁺ 494 (C₂₄H₁₉ ³⁵Cl₂F₂NO₄) Stirred at room temp o/n after addition amine. Eluent for SCX MeOH No MDAP 81

3.38 (5 min) [M + H]⁺ 478 (C₂₄H₁₉ ³⁵ClF₃NO₄) Stirred at room temp o/n after addition amine No MDAP 82

3.36 (5 min) [M + H]⁺ 474 (C₂₅H₂₂ ³⁵ClF₂NO₄) Stirred at room temp o/n after addition amine No MDAP 83

1.35 (2 min) [C₂₅H₂₂ ³⁵ClF₂NO₄ M + H]+ 474 Acid chloride formation stirred for 1 hour. Stirred over weekend after addition of amine.

The following examples 17, 18, 21-29 and 40 were prepared in a similar manner to (3-Chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid (example 1) from the appropriate starting materials with any differences from the described procedure noted in the following table:

Ex. LC Synthetic No. Compound (method) MS route/comments 17

1.17 (2 min) [C₂₃H₂₀ ³⁵ClNO₄ M + H]⁺ 410 Product precipitated on cooling, collected by filtration and dried under vacuum. 18

1.24 (2 min) [C₂₃H₁₉ ³⁵Cl₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 444 Heated at 90°C. for further 2 hours. Product precipitated on cooling, collected by filtration and dried under vacuum. 21

2.89 (5 min) [C₂₃H₁₉ ³⁵ClFNO₄ M + H]⁺ 428 same as example 1 22

1.16 (2 min) [C₂₂H₁₆ ³⁵ClF₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 432 same as example 1 23

1.22 (2 min) [C₂₃H₁₉ ³⁵ClFNO₄ M + H]⁺ 428 Allowed to cool to room temperature overnight. No water was added. Product extracted into EtOAc, dried, evaporated and purified by MDAP. 24

1.21 (2 min) [C₂₄H₂₂ ³⁵ClNO₄ M + H]⁺ 424 Allowed to cool to room temperature overnight. Product extracted into EtOAc, dried, evaporated and purified by MDAP. For a detailed description see Intermediates 84 to 87 and Example 46. 25

1.24 (2 min) [C₂₃H₁₉ ³⁵ClFNO₄ M + H]⁺ 428 Allowed to cool to room temperature overnight. Reaction mixture evaporated and purified by MDAP. 26

1.23 (2 min) [C₂₄H₂₂ ³⁵ClNO₄ M + H]⁺ 424 Allowed to cool to room temperature overnight. Reaction mixture evaporated and purified by MDAP. 27

1.18 (2 min) [C₂₂H₁₇ ³⁵Cl₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 430 Allowed to cool to room temperature overnight. Product precipitated on cooling, collected by filtration and dried under vacuum 28

3.19 (5 min) [C₂₂H₁₆ ³⁵Cl₃NO₄ M + H]⁺ 464 Allowed to cool to room temperature overnight. Product precipitated on cooling, collected by filtration and dried under vacuum 29

1.28 (2 min) [C₂₂H₁₆ ³⁵Cl₃NO₄ M + H]⁺ 464 Allowed to cool to room temperature overnight. Product precipitated on cooling, collected by filtration and dried under vacuum, further purified by MDAP. 40

1.21 (2 min) [C₂₃H₁₈ ³⁵ClF₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 446 Allowed to cool to room temperature overnight. Product precipitated on addition of water, collected by filtration and dried under vacuum

The following examples 19, 20, 30-39 and 41 to 45 were prepared in a similar manner to (4-{[(6-Chloro-3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid (example 15) from the appropriate starting materials with any differences from the described procedure noted in the following table:

Ex. LC Synthetic No. Compound (method) MS route/comments 19

1.17 (2 min) [C₂₂H₁₆ ³⁵Cl₂FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 447 same as example 15 20

1.22 (2 min) [C₂₂H₁₅ ³⁵Cl₃FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 481 same as example 15 30

1.21 (2 min) [C₂₂H₁₆ ³⁵Cl₂FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 447 same as example 15 31

1.27 (2 min) [C₂₃H₁₉ ³⁵Cl₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 443 same as example 15 32

1.16 (2 min) [C₂₃H₁₉F₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 412 same as example 15 no MDAP 33

1.14 (2 min) [C₂₄H₂₂FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 408 same as example 15 but longer reaction time (extra 6 hours), no MDAP 34

1.21 (2 min) [C₂₄H₂₂FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 408 Heated to 65° C. for 2 hours. No MDAP 35

1.26 (2 min) [C₂₄H₂₂ ³⁵ClNO₄ M + H]⁺ 424 Heated to 65° C. for 2 hours. No MDAP 36

1.20 (2 min) [C₂₂H₁₅ ³⁵Cl₂F₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 466 same as example 15 but heated at 65° C. for 2 hours, no MDAP 37

1.19 (2 min) [C₂₅H₂₅NO₄ M + H]⁺ 404 Heated to 65° C. for 2 hours. No MDAP 38

1.21 (2 min) [C₂₃H₁₉ ³⁵ClFNO₄ M + H]⁺ 428 Heated to 65° C. for 2 hours. No MDAP 39

1.18 (2 min) [C₂₂H₁₅ ³⁵Cl₂F₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 466 same as example 15, no MDAP 41

1.18 (2 min) [C₂₃H₁₈ ³⁵Cl₂FNO₄ M + H]⁺ 462 same as example 15 42

2.99 (5 min) [C₂₂H₁₅ ³⁵Cl₂F₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 466 same as example 15 but stirred at RT only for 2 hours, not acidified, directly purified by MDAP after evaporation of solvent 43

2.92 (5 min) [C₂₂H₁₅ ³⁵ClF₃NO₄ M + H]⁺ 450 same as example 15 but stirred at RT only for 2 hours, not acidified, directly purified by MDAP after evaporation of solvent 44

2.89 (5 min) [C₂₃H₁₈ ³⁵ClF₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 446 same as example 15 but stirred at RT only for 2 hours, not acidified, directly purified by MDAP after evaporation of solvent 45

1.18 (2 min) [C₂₃H₁₈ ³⁵ClF₂NO₄ M + H]⁺ 446 Heated to 65° C. for 2 hours. Acidified reaction mixture extracted with EtOAc, organic phase dried and evaporated.

The detailed experimental for the preparation of the compound of example 24 from the table hereinabove is as follows:

Intermediate 84 (3-chlorophenyl)methyl 5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylbenzoate (Intermediate 43, alklyation step)

To a solution of 5-hydroxy-2-methylbenzoic acid (1.0 g, 6.6 mmol) in DMF (50 ml) were added potassium carbonate (1.82 g, 13.14 mmol, 2.0 eq) and 3-chlorobenzyl bromide (1.72 g, 13.14 mmol, 2.0 eq). The mixture was stirred at 70° C. for 2 hours and then left stirring at room temperature overnight. The temperature was increased to 80° C. and heating continued for a further 6 hours. After cooling the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (200 ml) and washed with water (2×200 ml). Organic layer was separated, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and evaporated to dryness to afford the title compound as a yellow oil, 2.67 g (contains 24% of monoalkylated phenol impurity). No further purification carried out. MS (ES−) m/z 399 [M−H]⁻ (C₂₂H₁₈ ³⁵Cl₂O₃). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 2.52 (3H, s), 5.04 (2H, s), 5.29 (2H,$), 7.02 (1H, dd, J 8.4, J 2.8), 7.16 (1H, d, J 8.4), 7.29-7.34 (6H, m), 7.43 (2H, d, J1.2), 7.54 (1H, d, J 2.8).

Intermediate 85 5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylbenzoic acid (Intermediate 43, hydroylsis step)

A solution of (3-chlorophenyl)methyl 5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylbenzoate from the preparation of Intermediate 84 described above (2.67 g, 6.66 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (20 ml) and water (10 ml) was treated with lithium hydroxide (419 mg, 9.99 mmol, 1.5 eq). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature under argon overnight. A further portion of lithium hydroxide (419 mg, 9.99 mmol, 1.5 eq) was added and stirring continued at room temperature for 2 hours. Stirring continued at room temperature overnight. The solvent was then evaporated to dryness and then partitioned between 2M HCl (100 ml) and diethylether (100 ml). The organic layer was separated and passed through a hydrophobic frit to remove any water and evaporated to dryness to afford the title compound as a white solid (1.98 g) (contains 12% impurity). No further purification carried out. MS (ES−) m/z 275 [M−H]⁻ (C₁₅H₁₃ ³⁵ClO₃).

Intermediate 86 5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylbenzoylchloride (Intermediate 62 Acid chloride formation)

DMF (1 drop) was added to a suspension of 5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylbenzoic acid from the preparation of Intermediate 85 as described above (200 mg, 0.72 mmol) and oxalyl chloride (95 ul, 1.08 mmol, 1.5 eq) in DCM (5 ml). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was then evaporated to dryness and azeotroped with toluene (2×50 ml). The organic layer was separated, dried and evaporated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a yellow solid, 213 mgs. No further purification carried out. LCMS sample dissolved in methanol, MS (ES+) m/z 291 [M+H]⁺ (C₁₆H₁₅ ³⁵ClO₃), corresponding to methyl ester generated from acid chloride.

Intermediate 87 Ethyl (4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetate (Intermediate 62, Amide coupling)

Triethylamine (74 ul, 0.53 mmol, 1.5 eq) was added to a suspension of 5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylbenzoylchloride (105 mgs, 0.36 mmol) and ethyl (4-amino-3-methylphenyl)acetate (103 mg, 0.53 mmol, 1.5 eq) in dichloromethane (5 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was then diluted with acetonitrile and purified by SCX cartridge (5 g) eluting with acetonitrile. Fractions containing product were combined and evaporated to give the title compound as a yellow gum, 174 mg. MS (ES+) m/z 452 [M+H]⁺ (C₂₆H₂₆ ³⁵ClNO₄).

Example 46 (4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic acid (Example 24)

Ethyl (4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetate (174 mg, 0.39 mmol) was taken up in acetic acid (10 ml) and 2M HCl (10 ml) and heated at 90° C. for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and stirring continued at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (50 mls), dried using a hydrophobic frit and then evaporated to dryness to give a yellow solid/gum, 155 mg. This was purified by MDAP to give the title compound as a white solid, 39 mg. MS (ES+) m/z 424 [M+H]⁺ (C₂₄H₂₂ ³⁵ClNO₄). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 2.24 (3H, s), 2.34 (3H, s), 3.52 (2H, s), 5.17 (2H, s), 7.02-7.15 (4H, m), 7.22 (1H, d, J 8.4), 7.31 (1H, d, J 8.0), 7.39-7.44 (3H, m), 7.53 (1H, s), 9.71 (1H, s), 12.33 (1H, bs).

The compound of example 24 was also prepared at larger scale using the following method. Other compounds of the present invention may be made at larger scale using similar methods.

Intermediate 88: Ethyl 5-hydroxy-2-methylbenzoate

Aluminium chloride (97 g, 731 mmol) was added over 30 seconds to stirred DCM (3 L) under argon at 16° C. resulting in a temp rise to 20° C. When this had dissolved (approx 5 mins) and the temp had cooled to 18° C., ethyl-2-propynate (71.7 g, 731 mmol) was added. A solution of 2-methylfuran (60 g, 731 mmol) in DCM (600 ml) was added to the stirred solution over 35 minutes resulting in a measured exotherm 20.5° C. The exotherm was controlled by a Huber cooling unit and the observed temp range during the addition was 18° C.-20.5° C. After the addition was complete the brown reaction mixture was stirred at 20° C. After a total of 50 mins at 20° C., the reaction mixture was poured into water (3 L) and ice (1 Kg) with stirring to give a yellow mixture. This was transferred to a separating funnel and shaken vigorously. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase further extracted with DCM (1 L). The combined organic extracts were re-washed with water (1.5 L), dried (Na₂SO₄) and filtered through Kieselguhr. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to a brown/green oil. This was purified by silical gel flash chromatography on 2 Biotage 75 L columns in toluene (700 ml) and the solution split into 2 equal portions and each passed through a 75 L column, collecting 400 ml fractions and eluting with the following solvent eluant systems:

1st Column:

toluene (3 L)

acetone/toluene (3:97) (2.5 L)

acetone/toluene (6:94) (2.5 L)

acetone/toluene (9:91) (2.5 L)

A moderate separation was achieved. Fraction 14 was recycled into 2nd column separation

Fractions 15-17 combined and contained product

2nd Column:

toluene (3 L)

acetone/toluene (1:99) (2.5 L)

acetone/toluene (3:97) (2.5 L)

acetone/toluene (4:96) (2.5 L)

acetone/toluene (5:95) (2.5 L)

Moderate separation achieved. Fraction 17 was mixture and recycled (17 g) into 3rd Column Separation.

Fraction 18-23 combined and contained product.

3rd Column:

The mixture was applied as a solution in toluene (50 ml) to a Biotage 75M column, eluting

as follows and collecting 200 ml fractions.

ethyl acetate/iso-hexane (5:95) (1.5 L)

ethyl acetate/iso-hexane (1:9) (2.5 L)

ethyl acetate/iso-hexane (15:85) (0.2 L)

Reasonable separation achieved.

Fractions 19-28 combined and contained product.

Pooling of Product Fractions

F15-17 (C1)

F18-23 (C2)

F19-28 (C3)

combined and concentrated in vacuo to a yellow oil which solidified on drying at rt under vacuum for 4 h: Wt=41.7 g, (0.231 mol, 32%). MS (ES⁻) [C₁₀H₁₂O₃—H]⁻ 179. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz) δ 1.38 (3H, t, J 7.2), 2.51 (3H, s), 4.35 (2H, q, J 7.2), 5.36 (1H, s), 6.91 (1H, dd, J 8.4, 2.8), 7.10 (1H, d, J 8.0), 7.43 (1H, d, J 2.8).

Intermediate 89: Ethyl 5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylbenzoate

A suspension of ethyl 5-hydroxy-2-methylbenzoate (39.06 g, 217 mmol), 3-chlorobenzyl bromide (31.3 ml, 238 mmol) and potassium carbonate (44.9 g, 325 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (1000 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The reaction was then filtered, diluted with ethyl acetate (2 L), washed with water (2 L then 3×1 L) and brine (1 L), filtered through a hydrophobic frit and concentrated to give the title compound as a dark yellow oil (68.61 g) which was used without further purification. MS (ES⁺) [C₁₇H₁₇ ³⁵ClO₃+H]⁺ 305. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 1.31 (3H, t, J 7.2), 2.42 (3H, s), 4.28 (2H, q, J 7.2), 5.14 (2H, 2), 7.13-7.16 (1H, m), 7.19-7.23 (1H, m), 7.33-7.45 (4H, m), 7.54-7.55 (1H, m).

Intermediate 90: 5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylbenzoic acid (Intermediate 43)

Lithium hydroxide (16.3 g, 389 mmol) was added to a solution of ethyl 5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylbenzoate (79 g, 259 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (1 L) and water (0.5 L). The reaction mixture was stirred at 65° C. for 5 hours, allowed to cool and stood at room temperature for 14 hours. The reaction was concentrated to remove the 1,4-dioxane, and the resulting brown aqueous solution was washed with diethyl ether (3×1 L). The aqueous layer was then acidified with 2N HCl (approximately 200 ml) and the resulting precipitate filtered and washed with water to give a yellow solid. This was dried overnight at 40° C. in a vacuum oven to give the title compound as a yellow solid (66.38 g). MS (ES⁻) [C₁₆H₁₃ ³⁵ClO₃—H]⁻ 275. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 2.43 (3H, s), 5.14 (2H, s), 7.10-7.13 (1H, m), 7.21-7.23 (1H, m), 7.38-7.47 (4H, m), 7.52 (1H, s).

Intermediate 91 Ethyl phenylmethyl (3-methyl-4-nitrophenyl)propanedioate

Sodium Hydride (19.09 g, 477 mmol) was added portionwise over 30 minutes to an ice cooled solution of ethyl phenylmethyl propanedioate (115 ml, 477 mmol) in DMF (500 ml). Upon complete addition, the reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature. After stirring for 30 minutes, a solution of 4-fluoro-2-methyl-1-nitrobenzene (30 ml, 239 mmol) in DMF (250 ml) was added, the reaction heated to 100° C. and stirred at this temperature for 16 hours under an atmosphere of argon. The reaction was then left to stand at room temperature for 72 hours. The reaction was quenched with concentrated HCl (˜100 ml) with stirring and cooling (ice bath), diluted with ethyl acetate (2 L), washed with water (3×2 L), brine (1 L), dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to give a dark yellow oil (˜150 g). Purification was by silica chromatography, 1500 g cartridge, sample loaded as a toluene solution to the pre-conditioned column). A gradient of 0 to 5% acetone in pentane eluted the higher running component, this was followed by a gradient of 5 to 15% acetone in isohexane to elute the excess benzyl ethyl malonate and required product. Product-containing fractions were concentrated to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil (71.21 g). MS (ES⁻) [C₁₉H₁₉NO₆—H]⁻ 356. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 1.14 (3H, t, J 7), 2.50 (3H, s), 4.01-4.21 (2H, m), 5.14-5.25 (2H, m), 5.27 (1H, s), 7.28-7.49 (7H, m), 8.00 (1H, d, J 8)

Intermediate 92 Ethyl (4-amino-3-methylphenyl)acetate (Intermediate 10)

Batch 1: Ethyl phenylmethyl (3-methyl-4-nitrophenyl)propanedioate (35 g, 98 mmol) was taken up in Ethanol (500 ml) and subjected to a hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure using 10% palladium on carbon (3.13 g, 2.94 mmol). After 18 hours a small sample was removed for analysis. The catalyst was removed by filtration through celite and fresh catalyst palladium on carbon (3.13 g, 2.94 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture. The reaction was put on again for 3 hours. The hydrogenation continued for a further 3 hours. The hydrogenation reservoir was refilled and the reaction continued overnight. The catalyst was removed by filtration through celite and fresh catalyst palladium on carbon (3.13 g, 2.94 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture. The reaction was put on again for 3 hours. After the weekend stirring under these conditions, the reaction mixture added to the equivalent reaction mixture from Batch 2.

Batch 2: ethyl phenylmethyl (3-methyl-4-nitrophenyl)propanedioate (35 g, 98 mmol) was taken up in Ethanol (500 ml) and subjected to a hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure using 10% palladium on carbon (3.13 g, 2.94 mmol). After 2 hours a sample was taken for analysis. The reservoir was refilled with hydrogen and the reaction continued overnight. The catalyst was removed by filtration through celite and fresh catalyst palladium on carbon (3.13 g, 2.94 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture. The reaction was put on again for 3 hours. After leaving the reaction mixture under these conditions for the weekend, it was combined with BATCH 1 reaction mixture (equivalent reaction mixture) and filtered through celite to give a colourless filtrate. This solution was concentrated to an oily solid (wt=31.9 g). To this mixture was added toluene (200 ml) and the mixture was filtered from an insoluble white gum (wt=0.65 g). The filtrate was passed down a silica gel Biotage 75 L chromatography column eluting with the following ethyl acetate/iso-hexane gradient mixture and collecting 400 ml fractions:

ethyl acetate/iso-hexane

440 ml:2500 ml (15%)

833:2500 ml (25%)

1000:1900 ml (35%)

800:1250 ml (40%)

Fractions 13-19 were combined and concentrated to give the title compound as an oil which solidified on drying for 2 hours at room temperature under vacuum (wt=24.5 g). MS (ES⁺) [C₁₁H₁₅NO₂+H]⁺ 194. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-CDCl₃) δ 1.25 (3H, t, J 7), 2.15 (3H, s), 3.48 (s, 2H), 3.56 (2H, br. s), 4.13 (2H, q, J 7), 6.63 (1H, d, J 8), 6.93-6.97 (2H, m).

Intermediate 93: ethyl (4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetate (intermediate 62)

Oxalyl chloride (15.1 ml, 173 mmol) was added over approx 1 minute to a stirred suspension of 5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylbenzoic acid (31.8 g, 115 mmol) in dichloromethane (1.14 L) at 20° C. under argon. This was followed by the addition of N,N dimethylformamide (2 ml, 25.8 mmol) over 3 minutes with accompanying gas evolution but no noticeable temperature rise. Within approx 15 minutes the suspension dissolved and turned a darker brown. The mixture was stirred under argon at 20° C. for a total of 75 minutes. After 75 minutes the reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo to a cream solid which was dried under vacuum at room temperature for 1 h. The solid was then redissolved in dichloromethane (900 ml) and to the stirred solution at 20° C. under argon was simultaneously added a solution of ethyl (4-amino-3-methylphenyl)acetate (24.4 g, 126 mmol) in dichloromethane (240 ml) and triethylamine (24 ml) over 10-15 minutes. The temperature rise in the reaction was from 20° C. to 30° C. over this time and thereafter slowly cooled to ambient. The brown solution was stirred under argon at room temperature for 14 h. After 14 h stirring the brown solution was washed with water (2×1 L). The combined aqueous washes were re-extracted with dichloromethane (500 ml) and all the organic extracts were combined, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated in vacuo to a brown oily solid which was dried at room temperature, under vacuum for 0.5 hours (wt=51.7 g). This material was dissolved in dichloromethane (200 ml) and the solution column chromatographed on Biotage 75 L system eluting with an ethyl acetate/iso-hexane gradient mixture and collecting 400 ml fractions as follows:

ethyl acetate/iso-hexane 440 ml/2500 ml (15%)

833 ml/2500 ml (25%)

2016 ml/3750 ml (35%)

Fractions 15-20 were combined and concentrated to a pink solid, dried at room temperature under vacuum for 2 hours (Wt=43.2 g). The solid was stirred with diethyl ether (100 ml) for 1 h at room temperature to remove most of the colour in the supernatant. The off-white solid was filtered and dried at 40° C. under vacuum for 4 hours. Wt=40.8 g. MS (ES⁺) [C₂₆H₂₆ ³⁵ClNO₄+H]⁺ 452. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz) δ 1.26 (3H, t, J 7.2), 2.26 (3H, s), 2.45 (3H, s), 3.57 (2H, s), 4.15 (2H, q, J 7.2), 5.06 (2H, s), 6.95-7.33 (10H, m), 7.94 (1H, d, J 8)

Example 47 (4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic acid (the compound of example 24)

Method

To a stirred solution of ethyl (4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetate (39.8 g, 88 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (700 ml) at ambient temp. under argon was added a solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (5.5 g, 131 mmol) in water (400 ml) and the stirred pink solution was then heated to a block temperature of 65° C. The following internal temps were noted during the course of the reaction:

t=0 mins 20° C.

t=40 mins 47° C.

t=60 mins 50° C.

t=75 mins 50° C.

After 75 mins the reaction mixture was cooled to 40° C. and concentrated in vacuo (bath temp 40° C.) to remove 650 ml of solvent, at which time crystallisation began to occur in the reaction mixture. At this point 2M hydrochloric acid (150 ml) was added to the mixture causing further crystallisation and turning the colour from pink to yellow. The supernatant was measured as pH1 and the mixture was further concentrated to remove another 80 ml of solvent. The stirred mixture was then cooled to 5° C. in an ice bath and after 0.5 h it was filtered off and washed with water (3×150 ml), sucked dry then further dried at 40° C., under vacuum, for 20 hours (wt=37.4 g). MS (ES⁺) [C₂₄H₂₂ ³⁵ClNO₄+H]⁺ 424. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 2.24 (3H, s), 2.35 (3H, s), 3.53 (2H, s), 5.17 (2H, s), 7.02-7.53 (10H, m), 9.72 (1H, s), 12.35 (1H, br. s).

Biological Data

Studies were performed using HEK-293(T) cells expressing the recombinant human prostanoid EP₄ receptor (HEK-EP₄ cells). Cells were grown as a monolayer culture in DMEM-F12/F12 containing glutamax II™ (a source of L-Glutamine) (Gibco) and supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 0.4 mg.ml-1 G418. HEK-EP₄ cells were pre-treated 24 hr and 30 mins prior to the experiment with 10 μM indomethacin and harvested using Versene™ (EDTA) containing 10 μM indomethacin. The cells were resuspended in assay buffer (DMEM:F12, 10 μM indomethacin and 200 μM IBMX) at 1×10⁶ cellsper ml and incubated for 20 min at 37° C. Thereafter, 50 μl of cells were added to 500 test compound (compound of Formula (I)) and incubated at 37° C. for 4 minutes before stopping reactions with 100 μl of 1% Triton® X-100 (non-ionic surfactant). cAMP levels in the cell lysates were determined using a competition binding assay. In this assay the ability of cell lysates to inhibit 3H-cAMP (Amersham) binding to the binding subunit of protein kinase A was measured and cAMP levels were calculated from a standard curve. The data for each compound were expressed as a % of the response to a 10 nM maximal concentration of the standard agonist PGE₂. For each compound the maximal response and concentration of compound causing 50% of its maximal response were calculated (pEC₅₀). Intrinsic activity is expressed relative to the maximal response to PGE₂ [(maximum response to test compound)*100/(maximum response to PGE₂)]. Unless stated, reagents were purchased commercially from Sigma.

The Examples of the present invention were tested in the above-mentioned assay and exhibited average pEC₅₀ values of 6.0 or higher, and average intrinsic activities of 20% or higher. 

1. A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof,

wherein, R¹ represents halogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; R² represents C₁₋₄ alkyl or chloro; R³ represents H, C₁₋₄ alkyl or halogen; R⁴ represents H; R⁵ independently each represents halogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; m represents 0 or 1; n represents 0, 1 or 2; and X represents O or NH; with the proviso that when n represents 2 and R⁵ represents halogen, the R⁵ groups together with the phenyl group to which they are attached do not form a 2,3-difluorophenyl moiety.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein X represents O.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein X represents NH.
 4. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹ represents halogen.
 5. A compound according to claim 4 wherein R¹ represents chloro.
 6. A compound according to claim 5 wherein R¹ represents chloro in the C(3) position on the phenyl ring.
 7. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R² is methyl.
 8. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R³ is H.
 9. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R⁵ represents methyl.
 10. A compound according to claim 9 wherein R⁵ represents methyl in the C(3) position on the phenyl ring.
 11. A compound according to claim 1 wherein: R¹ represents halogen; R² is C₁₋₄ alkyl; R³ is H; R⁵ represents C₁₋₄ alkyl; m represents 1; and n represents
 1. 12. A compound according to claim 11 wherein: R¹ represents chloro; R² is methyl; R³ is H; R⁵ represents methyl; m represents 1; and n represents
 1. 13. A compound according to claim 12 wherein: R¹ represents chloro in the C(3) position on the phenyl ring; R² is methyl; R³ is H; R⁵ represents methyl in the C(3) position on the phenyl ring; m represents 1; and n represents
 1. 14. A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof,

wherein, R¹ represents chloro; R² represents methyl; R³ represents H; R⁴ represents H; R⁵ represents methyl; m represents 1; n represents 1; and X represents O.
 15. A compound according to claim 1 selected from the group consisting of: (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; {3-chloro-4-[({2-chloro-5-[(phenylmethyl)oxy]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic acid; (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-2-fluorophenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-2,5-difluorophenyl)acetic acid; (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-2-fluorophenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic acid; {4-[({2-chloro-5-[(phenylmethyl)amino]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic acid; (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]amino}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]amino}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (5-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-2-fluorophenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; {4-[({2-methyl-5-[(phenylmethyl)oxy]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic acid; (4-{[(6-Chloro-3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; {4-[({6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-[(phenylmethyl)oxy]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic acid; {3-chloro-4-[({2-methyl-5-[(phenylmethyl)oxy]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic acid; (3-chloro-4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; {3-chloro-4-[({6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-[(phenylmethyl)oxy]phenyl}carbonyl)amino]phenyl}acetic acid; (3-chloro-4-{[(6-chloro-3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenypacetic acid; (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (3-chloro-4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (3-fluoro-4-{[(5-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(5-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic acid; (3-fluoro-4-{[(2-methyl-5-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (3-chloro-4-{[(2-methyl-5-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(2-chloro-5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3,5-difluorophenyl)acetic acid; (3-methyl-4-{[(2-methyl-5-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (3-chloro-4-{[(5-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(6-chloro-3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(5-{[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-methylphenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3,5-difluorophenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(6-chloro-3-{([(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]oxy}-2-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic acid; (3-chloro-4-{[(6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}phenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-{[(3-fluorophenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-methylphenyl)acetic acid; (4-{[(6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}phenyl)carbonyl]amino}-3-fluorophenyl)acetic acid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.
 16. A method of treating a human or animal subject suffering from a condition which is mediated by the action, or by loss of action, of PGE₂ at EP₄ receptors which comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound of claim
 1. 17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the condition is pain.
 18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the pain condition is selected from the group consisting of: chronic articular pain; musculoskeletal pain; lower back and neck pain; sprains and strains; neuropathic pain; sympathetically maintained pain; myositis; pain associated with cancer and fibromyalgia; pain associated with migraine; pain associated with influenza or other viral infections; rheumatic fever; pain associated with functional bowel disorders; pain associated with myocardial ischemia; post operative pain; headache; toothache and dysmenorrhea. 